Filed under: Handbags

Prada’s Bandoliera Bag combines practicality with under the radar yet sleek design elements, that it could become the perfect go to everyday bag. It features Prada’s signature nylon material, a zippered and buckled exterior pocket and a roomy interior considering Bandoliera’s small size. Its adjustable shoulder strap, multiple pockets and size make it ideal for walking around the city, running errands and traveling. Available in brown mordore, violet/hyacinth and lavender mordore. Dimensions: 9″ x 8.6″. Price: $780.

Prada Bandoliera Bag originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bulgari has designed ultra-pricey handbags for a while but they haven’t had an official designer at the helm. Vogue UK reports that the Italian jewelry brand has tapped British fashion designer Matthew Williamson to design a handbag collection for spring/summer 2011. The capsule collection will be shown during Milan Fashion Week in September. Williamson is known for his exuberant sense of color which eventually led to his stint as creative director at Pucci. In a press release Bulgari’s CEO Francesco Trapani commented: “We chose Matthew Williamson for the great sense of color and design he brings to his work which resonates with our brand’s rich history”.

Matthew Williamson To Create Handbags For Bulgari originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Red Faithful Satchel by Alexander McQueen has an understated elegance mixed with real life usability that makes it so appealing. It has a top handle, adjustable shoulder strap, a fold over flap that zips up to secure your items and several exterior pockets. With those essential features wrapped in a candy colored red leather to add some spice to your outfit, the Red Faithful Satchel has versatility and long lasting appeal. Price: $1480.

Alexander McQueen Love Red Faithful Satchel originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ostentatious designer Karl Lagerfeld has has just been tapped to receive the Légion d’honneur, the highest decoration in France, on the eve of the latest Chanel fashion show in Paris. The honor, the full title of which is the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur (”National Order of the Legion of Honour”) was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. Lagerfeld was notified of the honor prior to the fashion show by by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Vogue UK reports. A date for the official ceremony has yet to be set. Meanwhile, Lagerfeld has been chosen to photograph the next Pirelli calendar, the annual naked supermodel fest. “I’ll do it in my studio in Paris,” the designer declared. “It’s too obvious to have a beach setting.”

Lagerfeld Receives The Légion D’honneur originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Espasol Silver-Plated Filigree Clutch by Celestina has a lot of character packed into a small package, and would make the perfect accessory for your favorite LBD. Structured box styling features a cutout filigree design with a slight bohemian artisan vibe, mixed with contemporary glitz and glamor. It has a hinge on the bottom, a black howlite clasp fastening on the top, and no lining. No shoulder strap, no interior pockets, just the pretty polished beauty of silver. Oh, and a little wood-trimmed vanity mirror with the designer’s stamp. $1,325

Celestina Espasol Silver-Plated Filigree Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel

The ultra classic bomber jacket gets an update. The folks at J. Crew and Belstaff have joined forces and collaborated on a line of women’s outerwear that is truly gorgeous. One of our favorites is the Air Bomber Jacket. The Belstaff leather bomber jacket is one of kind and has an ever lasting design that an adjustment was not needed, but somehow with just a few minor changes, the leather bomber jackets gets even better. By creating a shorter and shrunken fit hitting above the waist, your classic leather bomber is feminized and adds an instant hard-edge sexiness to your outfit. Made from a hand finished buttery burnt brown leather, it features a rib trim at the neck, sleeve and hem. Price: $1195.

J. Crew x Belstaff Air Bomber Jacket originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Design

Last fall saw Lindsay Lohan walking the runway as she unveiled her new fashion collaboration with Ungaro. But while Lohan was in Paris for the shows recently she was not at the Ungaro presentation. Black Book reports that Ungaro owner Asim Adullah told WWD that Lohan was not invovled with the latest collection. It’s not known if she has been officially let go. Reviews of Lohan’s 1980s-inspired line were less than kind. The fashions included sequined heart pasties used not just to cover nipples but as forehead adornment, neon colors, harem pants and shoulder-baring tops recalling the very worst of 1980s fashion. But perhaps the outrage was preferable to the distinct lack of excitement over Ungaro’s latest offerings. Booth Moore of the LA Times says that while the collection was probably better for the being Lohanless, the print blouses, cropped pants and ruched cocktail dresses by Estrella Archs were inoffensive but not very exciting. Is it better to be crazy and derided or predictable and forgettable? We’ll have to wait and see if Ungaro decides to let Lindsay back at the drawing board.

Lindsay Lohan Out At Ungaro? originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carry this handbag and pay tribute to both the late Alexander McQueen and his inspiration for this piece: the iconic Michael Jackson. McQueen’s Thriller Faithful Glove Clutch is a black whipsnake design clutch that features two angled zipper pockets and a white fingerless glove embellished with white Swarovski crystals on the front. The glove is attached to the bag with a snap and is (presumably) removable. The interior is fully lined in purple/plum with one inside zipper pocket and has a snap closure. Certainly an accessory meant to start a conversation. $1,920

Alexander McQueen Thriller Faithful Glove Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today marks the debut of the Jean Paul Gaultier Designer Collaborations line at Target. The French designer is perhaps most famous in the States for styling Madonna for her “Blonde Ambition” tour but he has also the house designer for Hermès. Gaultier’s line for the American department store is designed to pay “homage to the wide range of personalities that make up the diverse styles of American women.” The line includes simple pieces like a black strapless dress, belted trench coat and a classic Gaultier striped shirt. Other styles include tattoo leggings and a tattoo-print t-shirt, swimsuits and a cropped leather jacket, the most expensive piece at $199.99.

Will Gaultier succeed at Target? There is a possibility that some of the pieces may be to edgy to connect with the core Target shoppers. It also tends to depend on the store. Targets in more fashion-friendly places will probably sell out fast but in certain Targets I saw the recent Rodarte collection lingering in the clearance racks, so a designer name is by no means a slam dunk for fast fashion success at Target.

Jean Paul Gaultier Collection Debuts At Target originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Donna Karan Crosstown Flat Hobo is a lovely, practical bag in an unusual, beautiful, chaotic pattern.

This printed leather bag has a flat silhouette (as the name implies), but your own belongings will give it shape. It has front and back pockets as well as three interior pockets, and the double handles are accented subtly with chain. We love that the chain is somewhat hidden; it gives the bag no bearing on whether one should wear it with gold or silver jewelry.

This bag is perfect for your all-day endeavors like work, visiting friends, and sightseeing. At 16″W X 13″H X 3″D, you could fit entire portfolios or all your touring accoutrements like cameras and document carriers. Its chaotic pattern and comfortable shape make it an easy contrast to whatever you were planning to wear, whether you’re trekking museums in Vienna or shopping in St. Tropez.

The Donna Karan Crosstown Flat Hobo is available exclusively from Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.00.

Donna Karan Crosstown Flat Hobo, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Shopping

Last year the economy restrained Oscar fashion a bit but this year it seemed like glamour was back in full force. Actresses wore gowns in either metallic fabrics or rich, deep colors. Deep blues and purples combined with gowns in gold and silver gave the red carpet an almost celestial feel. Mariah Carey, Kristin Stewart and others made the most of deep blue, a color that was a perfect foil for large, sparkling red carpet diamond jewelry. Safely protected from the intermittent rain by a tent, stars brightened up a cloudy day. Check out the gallery below for looks from some of the top stars.

There were definitely some fashion misses. Charlize Theron’s dress was a bit of a fashion misstep. Sarah Jessica Parker tried a new silhouette that didn’t work as well as her usual nipped in styles. One thing that didn’t seem to be in fashion was basic black. Actresses that wore black gowns made sure they were heavily ornamented. This was the year for a cautiously exuberant return to Oscar excess.

Oscars Red Carpet, Glamour Is Back originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The Valentino Lacca is a classy bag for a dame of extraordinary style.

The traditional shape of this fabulous bag is turned on its head with a masterful gathering of the black patent leather creating an effect similar to expert-level napkin folding. We love the generous handles and the deep, roomy top-zip body, as well as the classic Valentino logo plate on the side, of course.

This 15″H x 19″W x 6 1/2″D bag is lined in satin and includes a zipper pocket for a little extra organization. This is one of the finest, most sophisticated bags large enough for work we’ve ever seen, carried off with a supremely feminine flair. It’s one of those bags which announces itself with a stately, “I’m important” presence. We could see Audrey Hepburn carrying this just out of frame in one of her iconic black-and-white photos — it’s that glamorous.

The Valentino Lacca is available from Neiman Marcus for $1,195.00, and also comes in a pink so bright it will burn your eyeballs.

Valentino Lacca, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Smithsonian may have no interest in O.J. Simpson’s suit but it will happily take Michelle Obama’s inaugural ball gown. The elegant, one-shouldered, white chiffon gown designed by Jason Wu will be donated to the First Ladies Collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History on Tuesday. The gown, which is decorated with delicate beads and fabric flowers, was praised for setting a fashionable tone for the start of the First Lady’s reign. Jason Wu is expected to join Mrs. Obama at the official presentation.

The exhibit of First Ladies clothing remains popular and the Smithsonian is opening a new gallery to house the exhibit. The new “A First Lady’s Debut” gallery will include 11 gowns worn by first ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Michelle Obama. The entire exhibit will show 24 first ladies’ dresses, including 12 inaugural gowns.

Michelle Obama’s Ball Gown Headed To The Smithsonian originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Valentino Summer Flower Tote is another femme-fatale, dynamite bag from Valentino’s particularly womanly spring collection.

This very nearly lip-shaped tote is decked in supple nappa leather flowers in bright, bold colors which captivate and catch the eye. The unusual color combination is fresh and lovely, calling to mind images of a hot summer day, a glass of lemonade and some very red lipstick. The use of black increases the intrigue of the bag, giving it a gothic edge. One could see a celeb like Dita Von Teese carrying this to complement a lacy or chiffon ensemble.

The bag is especially large (21″W X 12″H X 8″D), and could even be used overnight. It features a magnetic snap closure and metal feet, a black polyester-satin lining and a 16″ drop detachable shoulder strap. We’d hate to see a bag like this wasted on work, and hope we’ll catch someone brave enough to take it down the red carpet.

The Valentino Summer Flower Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,690.

Valentino Summer Flower Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Balmain design house creates unapologetically bold clothing. Especially when it comes to their jackets. They are overly structured with exaggerated shoulders and adorned with pieces that look as though they can be found on window treatments - but it all works. And with famous stars like Rihanna and Beyonce having been photographed wearing Balmain jackets, Christophe Decarnin’s designs have only increased in popularity. His designs look amazingly beautiful on the runway and on celebrities but may not always translate so easily into the real world. However, the Balmain Studded Military Jacket may be the exception. Made from cotton canvas, it’s slightly tapered for a well tailored fit and beautifully decorated with silver studs and military patches along the along the front, sleeves, and lapel. And with such a star studded and eye catching jacket, the rest of your outfit could be understated, allowing the jacket to take center stage. Price: $6,225.

Balmain Studded Military Blazer originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Rebecca Minkoff Darling Shoulder Bag is a bright, playful purse with a flirty vibe. Somebody call Prince — it’s “Purple and Gold.”

We love Ms. Minkoff’s use of color, and this shoulder bag is no exception. In black, this would be way less special, but in this eye-catching violet, the bag is youthful and fun. We love the vertical zipper belt that holds it all together with a utilitarian push-lock closure and the pretty, dainty tassels on the sides.

The bag is 14 1/2″H x 17″W x 4″D, large enough for books or portfolios, whichever you have. It would certainly brighten our lunch hour to pull a bag like this out from under our desks. A shock of purple can be like a secret weapon against a doldrum-ridden mood.

The Rebecca Minkoff Darling Shoulder Bag is available from Neiman Marcus for $495.

Rebecca Minkoff Darling Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Foley + Corinna Jet Setter Jr. Tote is a classy travel bag to double as your carry-on.

As a frequent traveler myself, I always pack light. I bring a rolling suitcase that will fit in the overhead compartment and a purse large enough to stuff my laptop and a book in (as well as the other usual purse effects). This keeps me from having to check a bag, and keeps my valuables with me, just hovering three or four feet above my head.

One look at this and I can tell you this is a great bag for traveling. The durable, belted structure will keep all your important pieces together, and there’s no mistaking that even at 14″H x 15 1/2″W x 5″D, this is a purse, and can be carried on with your luggage as your “small personal item.”

The charcoal leather of this tote is accentuated with simple silver hardware and ingenious turnlock closures at the top and snap-button sides, which make it expandable. It includes two zipper pockets for important things like your passport and phone.

The Foley + Corinna Jet Setter Jr. Tote is available from Neiman Marcus for $528.00.

Foley + Corinna Jet Setter Jr. Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For some time it has been possible to personalize a Louis Vuitton bag at a number of flagship stores around the world. Now the service is truly global as it is available to all on their web-site.

There are three classic LV bags available for the online service: the Keepall, the Pegase and the Speedy. After choosing the bag and its size there are 17 different colors available for the diagonal or vertical stripes that will adorn your bag. You also have the option to put up to three initials on the bag with or without a “point” between the letters. There are cute features that let you reverse the colors, rotate your bag to view the monogram from all sides, and save your creation to finalize your selection later. If you decide that you must have an entire monogrammed set just push a button and your chosen monogram will be applied to other bags. If you’d like something more complicated, like your family crest, painted on your luggage you’ll have to go to a Louis Vuitton store and discuss it with a sales associate in person.

The good news is that you receive free shipping with your online purchase, but be forewarned, the return policy is not the same for the monogrammed items and it can take up to 8 weeks for delivery. It is a bit funny that the web-site touts that there are over 200 million different combinations possible, so even though you are a carrying an LV bag it will be completely unique. However, it does beat tying a piece of colored string to the handle to differentiate your Louis Vuitton from all the others coming off the baggage claim rack at the airport.

Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Service Now Available Online originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Botkier Harper Lambskin Tote is a beautiful, bright blue bag with a fun, festive design.

This tote is belted in all kinds of ways, from the clever double buckles on the double handles to the chic and utilitarian horizontal straps which give the bag its unique, sexy shape. The warm, Caribbean blue is set off nicely by the gunmetal hardware — and did we mention it’s not your average leather, but soft, buttery lambskin? You could practically use this as a pillow.

The bag is 12″H x 15″W x 4″D, and features a cream-colored jacquard lining (creating a fabulous teal-and-cream contrast). The top zips with a tassel pull, and a detachable shoulder strap is included.

This Botkier will make an excellent splash of color to set off this seasons pale grays and beiges, and is large enough to function as a work bag for the gainfully occupied.

The Botkier Harper Lambskin Tote is available from Neiman Marcus for $595.00.

Botkier Harper Lambskin Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Valentino Laceland Tote is a pretty, feminine bag perfect for the pale shades of this spring.

As we emerge from the dark jewel tones and black velvets of winter into a lighter, brighter, pastel spring 2010, this pale gray Tote can be your friend and ally at work or at play. The laser-cut soft nappa leather includes layered lace and eyelet details, and will age beautifully. The double ruched handles call to mind an antique framed silhouette or elegant hand mirror, creating an even quainter, lovelier overall effect.

At 16″W X 14″H X 5″D, this delicate, girlish tote is large enough to throw over your shoulder with everything but the kitchen sink inside. We love a ladylike bag with some down-to-Earth sense, and that’s just what this is. The lining is a durable polyester-satin blend. Magnifique.

The Valentino Laceland Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,495.

Valentino Laceland Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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