Recently in Handbags & Accessories Category

I saw this Yves Saint Laurent blush in March Allure...  (YSL Palette Y-Mail, $65)

It comes in the absolute cutest mini-bag pouch that features the Y-mail design that YSL uses on various bags and clutches.

The darker of the two colors is already sold out on YSL's website though!

If you happen to want to spend $1000 to get a matching real bag, Bluefly has this one on sale now (20% off).  Yves Saint Laurent Y-Mail Tote, $956.

It is in a black/bronze textured patent leather, lined in fabric and has a zippered pocket and cell phone pocket.  Tres chic, n' est pas?  Even at $956... eek!  That's still expensive.

You can now design your own personalized Keepall, Pegase or Speedy with the new Mon Mongram feature at Louis Vuitton online. 

There are several different colors of stripes and you can add your initials. (The concept is very similar to what Longchamp has been doing for a while with their Le Pliage bags - Le Pliage Sur Mesure.  I wrote about those a while ago.)

Here's what I came up with:

The premium for the personalization is $280!  Yikes, a bit steep!  (the regular Speedy 30 is $690)

Gucci has introduced an appraisal service for vintage Gucci items in partnership with Christie's auction house.

Certain items may qualify for future Christie's auctions.

You can read more about it here on the Gucci site and here at Christie's. 

I have always loved Gucci's use of bamboo.  I have some strappy sandals with bamboo heels, a wallet with a bamboo turn-lock closure, shoes with bamboo adorned horsebits, bamboo print Boston bag, bamboo keychain....  Oh, and not Gucci, but I also have the gorgeous Tiffany Bamboo Nature hoop earrings (the style has since been sadly discontinued).

What I really lust for now is the new Jackie bag with the bamboo-topped tassels.  As I've lamented before, it's not going to happen because the bag is $2100.  That's just too crazy even for me!

The bamboo-handled bag, was developed in a Gucci backroom in Florence in 1947, by craftsmen who were charged to muster all their powers of innovation to think their way around war-time shortages - yet still make objects that met the Gucci standards of desirable exclusivity. It is also a testament to the booming craftsmanship and design that put Italy on the map after World War II. Once it was articulated and attached to the bag by four metal loops (using the least amount of the precious commodity possible, in the on-site forge), the bamboo handle became a piece of design history.

Over the decades, the bamboo went beyond its origins as a pragmatic solution, and became a device used on generations of new bag shapes, gradually transforming itself into a Gucci visual code. Bamboo-inspired patterning has branded multiple products - from umbrella handles to headscarves, watch-straps and jewellery, and has even been carved wittily into a pair of golden stiletto heels. It is a part of the House's heritage - like the horsebit, green-red-green webbing and the GG - that has proved amazingly capable of time-travelling, staking its place in the fashion of the moment according to what design calls for at the time.

Wow, 2010 already, it's going to take a while to get used to that.  I just sounds weird.  Anyway, Gucci's 2010 cruise collection is available now.  Here are some of my wish list items.

'Croisette' Evening Bag with Bamboo Detail and Metal Beads, $730 (pre-order) It's made with black pebbled leather, nickel hardware and a detachable metal strap so you can also use it as a clutch. Oh, I just LOVE this.  I am such a sucker for their pieces with bamboo!  I also like the metal strap.

Heart Crest Earrings with the Gucci Knight, $385. In aged sterling silver, 1.9" long.  There is also a pendant on a 27.6" chain in the same style for $560.  I wouldn't get both though, it's not good to be too matchy-matchy.  Choose one or the other.

'Icon Bit' Mid Heel T-Strap Platform Sandals with horsebit detail, $675. In brown leather with nickel hardware and a 3.4" heel.  3.4" is a bit low, but it's good to give your feet a break once in a while...

'Bamboo Icon' High Heel Platform Sandals with Bamboo Detail, $625.  In yellow leather with nickel hardware and 4.1" heel.  I'm pretty color averse, but hey, it's cruise collection... Shoes or handbags are a great way to add color.  These would be fun just to be different!  Like a few seasons back I bought a pair of their red shoes because they were the ones I liked, and they didn't come in black... they've been great!  I wore them yesterday in fact.

Now, these, I do NOT like.  They scream fashion victim, you'd expect some cheesy faux celebrity like Audrina Partridge to turn up in these. 'Clemence' High Heel Open-Toe Platform Sandals, $990. In white leather with back zip closure and 4.1" heel.

Cheers. Happy weekend.  If you're lucky... perhaps dashing into Gucci.... ?

Saturday Chanel releases their new collection of casual handbags and travel bags, Coco Cocoon. The marketing campaign is featuring Lily Allen.

I think Lily Allen is a rather curious choice, but I guess Karl is fascinated by her.  Just a couple of years ago she was a chubby mess, hardly a paradigm of beauty; but she does look pretty good these days, especially when decked out in Chanel!

The bags are available in nylon or lambskin.  I see why they say "casual" they are most certainly that.

This bag reminds me of some very inexpensive bag, I'm not really sure, Le Sport Sac or something?  Or a Member's Only jacket sewn into a bag?  I don't know, not so good...

Since I was down in SoHo on Sunday I was finally able to ask at the Longchamps store (132 Spring Street) about the production.  (see my previous post about this) The salesperson I spoke to said that due to increased demand some production had been moved to China (and Malaysia I think she said?), mostly of Le Pliage bags.  She said that the people are brought to France for thorough training and the employees receive the same working conditions and fair pay as those in France.  I don't know, I guess that's all well and good but I still think it's sad to see a "French" brand moving production elsewhere. 

In any case, I still like the brand, and oops, I even bought something while I was there.  With my Pliage bag, it bugs me that there is no decent pocket built into the side (there is one, but it doesn't fit much), so I got the cutest little mathcing pouch so I can put small things it in and not have to search for them at the bottom of the large bag.

Zippered Coin Purse, $42

Isn't that the cutest!

The SoHo store is very cool.  The store is upstairs, accessed by an interesting steel staircase.

Photos: Dexingner.com

The store was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, a London artist/designer. It's been open since May 2006.

"True art cannot be encompassed in a handbag, no matter how oversize, or over-pimped said handbag may be."

Something to think about!  Excerpt from 'Vuitton Bags The Big Shots' by Amy Thomas, New York Times Magazine

Hhmmm, this is a tough one.  On one hand it's quirky and cute, on the other it's some hideous thing pulled out of your weird aunt's closet.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Flights of Fancy Shopper Tote, $428

It's made with pebbled and croc-embossed leather with an owl, heart, mouse, racoon, apple tree, bird and cloud. The interior is lined and has a zip pocket and two patch pockets.

I'm not sure on my verdict. I'm going to mull it over.

Linea Pelle isn't a brand that has been on my radar, frankly, ever.  I think that's because they started out as a belt company...  Even though their name sounds European they are based out of LA.  They say on the website that the products are made with washed Italian leathers for a really soft hand and vintage look, which sounds great, but I can't seem to find any country of origin info so I suspect they are probably made in China or elsewhere in Asia like so many bags/accessories are today.

Anyway, I ran across this bag: Dylan Shoulder Bag, $395

I like the gold hardware (it's actually solid brass so the gold color won't wear off) and the zippers - - there is a zipper that goes all the way around the sides and bottom so it can expand, but even if you never do that, it just looks cool.

Their website lists a long list of hollywood types who have been seen with their products, so I guess the word is out... or else they have a good PR person who sends them to these people...

Last weekend I went eye glasses shopping on the Upper East Side and found these funky Gucci frames (model 1438, $275).

To me the tinted clear plastic looks like Gucci meets Philippe Starck!

I love them, and it totally does't matter if they're a little quirky because I only wear them for movies and driving a car. Fun, fun, fun!  I get to pick them up tomorrow, all ready to go with my updated RX. It will be great to be able to see well again!

Cheers, happy weekend!

I was taking a look at Longchamps at Bloomingdale's over the weekend and I noticed that the Pliage bags don't have "Made in France" imprinted in the leather on the back anymore.  I thought that was funny, so I looked inside for the country of origin and I couldn't find it.  I asked, and the woman showed me there is actually a small sewn-in tag made of frosted clear plastic (so it is hard to see) that does indeed indicate the country of origin.  The large tote I was holding happened to be made in France.  All of the medium totes that I looked at were made in China!  (I looked at several)  I asked her what the deal was and she didn't really know, she said that the stock comes in both ways (France and China).  She even said that some customers will look through every bag and buy up the made in France ones!  Maybe at the Longchamps store in Soho they would have a better understanding of the production (ie. which items are made in China and which in France) or if they source all of Le Pliage in both places and you have a chance to find a French one if you keep looking...

Anyway, I think it's pretty much an outrage.  I don't want to buy a French bag that's made in China, certainly not for full price.  It almost seems like an "authorized couterfeit".

Here are the two bags I was looking at:

Longchamps Le Pliage Large Tote ($145) and Medium Tote ($125).

The large tote is 19.25W (top) 13W (base) x 13H x 7.5D with a 10" drop for the handles. 

The medium tote is 9.75W x 9.75H x 5.5D with an 8" drop for the handles.

Cole Haan has a new bag collection, Whitney.  The best one for sure is the zip hobo, $348. It comes only in chestnut brown and lacquer red.  (too bad, I wish it came in black too)

I like the grommet detailing.  The size is a bit large though at 17" wide (12" tall, 2" deep).  Really, who needs a bag 17" wide, are you supposed to be able to climb inside?  I can't wait until the huge bag trend is over...

I don't consider Cole Haan to be a great brand for a handbag - but in a recession who wants to shell out $1000 +++.  I think it's a good time to be more open to other brands.

Here's a good "look for less" option:  Ferragamo Francesca Bag vs. J. Crew Gallery Hobo. 

The Ferragamo bag is available at Smart Bargains, on sale for $1,189.98. (regular retail $1,850, and pre-sale price at Smart Bargains was $1,399.)

The J. Crew option, the Gallery Hobo, is usually $250 but is on sale now for $200.

Both have a similar roundish shape, natural leather top handles and detachable shoulder straps.  The Ferragamo bag is 12-1/2 x 11 x 6 inches.  The J. Crew bag is 12-1/2 x 12 x 3 inches. (It is also available in a larger version of 16 x 15 x 4 inches on sale for $248)  The Ferragamo bag, of course, is made in Italy... the J. Crew just says "imported" so it's probably made somewhere in Asia.

I'm off for the long weekend tomorrow, so Happy Fourth of July and see you back at Flairvoyant on Monday!  Cheers!

Here's a good deal on a Prada tote at Smart Bargains.  The regular retail price was $1275, it was at Smart Bargains for $999.99, but now it's on sale for $849.98.

Prada Black Ruched Nylon Tessuto Tote

It's got nice leather detailing and is lined with the signature Prada jacquard weave fabric.  It's a nice big size aprox. 14" x 13" x 7".

It's a similar look to the Prada denim tote Jessica Biel was seen out with earlier in June.

I guess the only complaint one may have about this bag it that you have to carry it in your hand or hook it on your arm (a la Vuitton Speedy) because you cannot carry it on your shoulder.

Oh my goodness, I am so in love with this bag. Why, oh why, oh why does it have to be $3,100?  That is just stratospheric, even for Gucci.

New Jackie Shoulder Bag (Large)  (18.9 x 15.4 x 2.4")

Just look at these beautiful bamboo detailed tassels:

Well, they do have it on Gucci.com in a medium size (13.4 x 11 x 1.7") which is at least somewhat more reasonable at $2350.

 I am also loving these: Hollywood High-Heel Open Toe Pump, in black Guccissima leather with a light gold horsebit.  4-1/10" inch heel (perfect!) and $550, which is reasonable.  The only problem is that Neiman's only has these in white in my size (yuck).  And they don't sell the exact same shoe right now at Gucci.com... they have a snakeskin version.

Hermes has released some new scarves for Fall 2009.

Here are two of the new ones that I like:

La Femme aux Semelles de Vent ($375)

Christopher Columbus ($375)

I love these elegant pearl drop earrings from the Chanel Spring-Summer 2009 Pre Collection.   I love earrings with just a little big of dangle and I'm totally a sucker for the Chanel Camellia flower!

Glasstone pearl, metal and resin camellia earrings.

I also love this variation on the classic double C long necklace.  Most often they're done with pearls but here they've used some stones and the Cs are in blue, which is unusual too. Metal, enamel, glasstone pearl and natural stone long necklace

I was also browsing through their Spring-Summer bags.  Their bags can often look kind of Grandma-ish, well you know very classic, but a little boring.  This denim tote is a very modern take on the classic Chanel quilted look.  Quilted Denim Tote with a large stitched Chanel signature double-C motif.

Detail:

Of course, they never publish prices on the Chanel website, so you have to go to a Chanel store to find out... 

Some pre-fall Christian Louboutin items have arrived at Neiman Marcus. Wow, it's May (not even Summer) and we're talking about Fall already... crazy.  But fashion's always looking ahead!

Among them, 2 super high pumps with 5-1/2 inch heels. 2 bags and 2 boots.  The black boots are the same we've seen before with a round toe, now being offering with a squared toe. The leopard boots I think are a bit much.  I like the leopard bag, but boots NO!

I thought Gwyneth's Goop auctions on ebay would be over by now... but there are still several items.

Among them is this fabulous Chanel bag, whose auction ends tomorrow!  Right now it's bid up to 530 GBP, or about $770.46... that's still very reasonable for a Chanel bag.

There's also this super cute Sonia Rykiel owl pendant.

I just love owls!

I was walking around Bloomingdale's over the weekend and I ran into this great Marc Jacobs bag. I was happy to see that you can still get a decent sized nice bag for less than $1000. (seriously, how sad is it to even say that? $1000 for a bag is still a lot)

Marc Jacobs Collection Multi-Pocket Bag, $975

The leather felt really nice and soft and the bag doesn't weigh a ton like my other Marc Jacobs bag (mine has a really heavy metal shoulder strap). Bloomingdale's online doesn't seem to have it, so I can't link to it there. But eLuxury does sell it online, here.

Bluefly is having an extra 10% off everything today. I love how they have a selection from the very top brands that you often cannot find online like Chanel and Hermes.

What caught my eye is this Gucci Tote. I've been looking for a black bag with gold hardware, all of my black bags have silver hardware...

Gucci Babouska Top Handle Bag, Retail $1,595, Bluefly $1,276, Sale $1,148.40.  It is from last season, but that's okay...

I like the giant grommets, and the zipper on the top is nice. In the city, you want to make sure your bag is closed up properly, especially when you're sandwiched in on the subway!

They even have 2 wallets that go with this. Hysteria French Wallet (sale $273.60) and Babouska French Wallet (sale $331.20).

It's nice to treat yourself to an Hermes scarf in the Spring (or Summer, Fall or Winter for that matter).  Here's my pick: Promenade Au Pays de Cezanne. Silk twill, hand-rolled, 36 inches square, $375.00. This one comes in 4 different color ways, but this is clearly the best one.

Wow, isn't that beautiful, it really looks like the South of France.  I'm not going to get one though.  I am going to go shopping in my own closet.  I think I have about 8 Hermes scarves, and I haven't got them out for a while.  I've been taking a scarf break.  But I should get out my little orange scarf tying book and get inspired.

The Hermes sample sale at the Metropolitan Pavilion (123 West 18th Street, betw. 6th & 7th) starts today!

The hours are today through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.  Good luck!

There was a nice article in March Vogue about Mulberry and their new creative director, Emma Hill.  It mentions "her vision for Mulberry is to play up its English heritage, viewing it with a current relevance, not misty-eyed nostalgia."

I love the Mitzy Hobo, $695. It has a nice slouchy shape in a high quality pebbled leather.

I think these boots are a good example of "current relevance", they look sort of English horsey, but cool at the same time. Buckle Boot, $895.

I saw this bag the other day at the boutique at the Equinox 74th Street. Wow, now that is a good looking gym bag.  No wonder they call it the "runway" bag.  I wonder if Puma actually has a show?

Puma Runway Bag, $110.

Banana has a new line of premium handbags that look pretty nice.  The one I like the best is the Bridgeport Crescent Shoulder Bag, $230. Pebbled leather with polished nickel hardware.  It comes in black, stone and dust (below).

Bloomingdale's has this cute Juciy Couture Clutch/Wristlet ($148) in a nice yellow.  It's a good way for us color-averse to add a dash of color to our look.

I love the big tassel and the chunky brass hardware. It's a good size: 8" wide by 4-3/4" high. 

The problem I have with clutches is that I usually forget to use them!  I have a fabulous brown suede Prada clutch from few years ago - when they did the quirky fish designs  (a smaller version of this tote below).  

I hardly ever use it!  I think with the recession it is time to REDISCOVER one's own closet!  There are tons of treasures in there that should be enjoyed!

I generally hate hearts and would NEVER wear heart jewelry (even Elsa Peretti for Tiffany), etc.  BUT, this Marc Jacobs "Love Story" Clutch ($795) somehow is very cool despite being covered with hearts.

Barney's has it in black.

And Saks has it in chalk and silver.

It's so cute!  The size is 12½" X 7½"H, so it's a decent size that will actually fit a good amount of stuff. $795 seems a bit expensive though!

All Marc Jacobs fans know that one of his signature style accents for accessories is the push lock.  See below on the Classic Zip Clutch ($395).

So here's a not bad at all alternative from Topshop's website.  (no stores yet in the US, but one's coming to SoHo, Broadway & Broome,  in early 2009)

Topshop Large Push Lock Clutch ($85). An oversized clutch in leather with brass push lock detail. Pretty cute, right!

I'm not very familiar with Topshop other than that Kate Moss does a line for them.  I think they're like the British version of H&M? I'm looking forward to checking out the store when it opens.

Gucci's cruise collection for '09 has been out for a few weeks now.  In shoes they're showing a lot of faux tortoise, gold hardware, chunky wedges and platforms.

Here's a classic style that they've updated with the tortoise horsebit, the "Hollywood" 4.1 inch high heel open-toe patent leather pump. $595.

In handbags they're showing fringe, heart shaped logo crests, patent tortoise and updates of classic shapes and the hysteria style (and others) from fall and other past collections.

Here's the "Hysteria" Medium Hobo in tortoise patent leather with Gucci crest detail. $1,360.

Here's the "Irina" Evening Bag in metalic leather with the heart shaped logo crest. $695.

They're also showing a few designs with cartoon-like detailing that reminds me of Ed Hardy.

And some classic monogram totes with quirky dog embroideries.

Here's another good find - a bag from Banana Republic that has the look of a much more expensive bag.  The chunky gold chain detail is very Marc Jacobs looking - for a fraction of the price.  The "Drake" Shoulder bag, it comes in black or russet leather ($180) or leopard print calf hair ($230). The russet is a nice orange color.

Either style qualifies for free shipping and they even come with their own dust bag like expensive bags do.

Since we're talking about orange today, take a look at this gorgeous Chloe tote bag!  Vermilion orange croc-embossed leather with two tone hardware and chunky turnlock closure.  Made in Italy, of course.

It's at bluefly.com for $1,760 (normal retail $2,200)!  Sorry, but no matter how beautiful I would not spend that much on a bag.  That's pretty outrageous!  Anway, that's why I put it in the "objects of desire" category - it's clearly not a "good find" for that price (well, for most of us anyway).

I was walking my short walk to the subway this morning and I passed not one, but two stylish women on 76th street wearing orange scarves. They both looked great! A dash of color is great way to add interest to denim, black, charcoal etc. (the colors I wear all the time). I should be more adventurous I think! 

Here's a nice burnt orange cashmere knit scarf from Magaschoni at Bluefly. ($123)

And here's a 12 x 60" pashmina version from the Pashminastore.com. They make it in 100% wool for $35.99 or 70% wool / 30% silk for $29.99.  They also make larger wrap sizes 28 x 80" and 36 x 80". These prices seem suspiciously cheap though. I'm not familiar with this company, but they claim to be made with real pashmina (finest grade cashmere wool) from Nepal. So if it's legit, they're really an AMAZING bargain. 

I realized lately that I'm sort of a bag lady, yup - paper bag.  I have this terrible habit of carrying the things that don't fit into my handbag in a paper bag... you know the nice paper bags with handles that nice shops give you. (my favorites are the Sherry Lehman bag with the Toulouse Lautrec print and the Balthazar Bakery bag)  Anyway, I was thinking how this is actually pretty weird, since I go out of my way to have the best shoes and handbags and decent clothes... so why do I do this?  I guess I never thought about it very much, and maybe it's okay because it's recycling.

Anyway, Longchamp has a great solution. They now have a build your own Les Pliages bag, Le Pliage Sur Mesure, on their website! You get to choose the size of your bag, the length of the handles, the fabric color(s), the color of the metal on the bag (zipper pull, etc) and optional embossing of your initials on the leather or embroidery of your name on the fabric part.  They're made to order in a workshop dedicated to the production of these custom bags, within Longchamp's main production unit located in Segré, in the Maine-et-Loire region of France.   

The prices are pretty reasonable - the large bag prices out at $184 with the optional embossing included. And because it's a Le Pliage, you just fold it up when not is use for compact storage.

Check out this beautiful bag from Prada's Fall collection... Vitello Daino Pocket Tote, $1495. It comes in "peltro" (light gold) or "antico" (copper) deer leather with a pebbled texture and silvertone hardware.

I like both colors, it would be hard to choose. I hope the prices of the European bags will be coming down again since the Dollar has been coming back against the Euro, but I'm not going to hold my breath. It does seem pretty crazy though to have to spend $1495 on a bag.

They're showing a lot of belted looks this Fall.  Since I'm always a sucker for horsebits (yes, preferably Gucci), this Banana Repbulic belt looks like a nice addition for the season.  And it's only $79, so if you don't end up wearing it much, it's okay.  (with a Gucci belt you might feel bad!)

Horsebit Clasp Buckle Leather Belt, $79 is great to belt long shirts and sweater dresses etc.

Uggh. Sorry about the ugly picture. I have no idea why they paired it with that horrific print shirt! That print looks like something Ugly Betty would wear. (but p.s. I love Ugly Betty despite her clothes :-)  )

I ran across this great looking Jimmy Choo bag at Neiman Marcus.  Jimmy Choo "Crushed Patent Roquette", $1,350.  I'm not a huge fan of patent leather, but somehow it works in this crushed texture. I like the look of the metal grommets and gold hardware. It does bug me though, that even on really expensive bags like this, they don't bother to tell you what the hardware is made of.  It should be gold plated brass so when it wears there is no silver color show through... (this is what happens with the giant snap buttons on framed Marc Jacobs bags).

I don't know if I'd really spend this much on a Jimmy Choo bag though... I love it, but Jimmy Choo (to me at least) is more shoes, for bags somewhat less compelling. But I'd certainly love to receive it as a gift. he he he.  They also make this same style in a crystal mesh for $5,295! Now that's really crazy!

The J. Crew Fall collection has started coming in already. I'm loving this "Quincy Hobo" bag.

It's made with tumbled leather and brass hardware. The quilted detailing gives it a Chanel-esque look for a fraction of the price! Somtimes J. Crew makes their bags in Italy, but apparently not this one because it just says "imported", but that's probably why it's only $228. It looks to be very well made though, check out this hardware:

For the bold, it also comes in vine green and golden yellow!

I have to say that I am not understanding some of Gucci's Fall "Hysteria" Collection at all!  This bag for example:

Hysteria Medium Top Handle Bag in Off-white Tapestry with Black Leather Trim, $1295

Um, isn't that just plain ugly? This tapestry looks very old lady to me.  Maybe it's supposed to be so ugly that it's cool?  It's just not working for me...

I'm going to Bermuda later this Summer so I was thinking about cute things to wear when I've had enough of the beach and want to go over to Hamilton to do some shopping and have lunch...

This dress from Milly looks great even just to toss on over a bathing suit.  I'm not usually so colorful, but for Summer I think it's appropriate... and especially when you are away, somewhere festive.

$340 at Net-a-porter.

I'd wear it with some cute brown leather flip flops, like these that I have from a couple seasons ago from J. Crew.

They have a more simple version this year for $49.50. They're nice too, made in Italy with leather soles and footbed.

I'd bring along my trusty floppy hat from Eric Javits.

They usually have these at Neiman Marcus, but their selection is somewhat limited right now. I found it online at bagshop.com for $190.  It's such a great hat because it looks like straw but it's not, you can fold it in half and then roll it for packing.

Then of course everyone needs the requisite pair of ridiculously large sunglasses.  I don't have any of these yet, I always feel like I look silly when I try them on because they overwhelm my face (but that doesn't seem to stop anyone else).  These from Gucci might be a good compromise because they don't seem to be that big, but it's hard to tell from the picture.

These are $275 at gucci.com.

Last of all, a shopping tote... Ballard Designs has an amazing value on a jute tote with leather handles and a free monogram.  The large one is just $25.95 and is big enough to also serve as a beach bag for a big towel etc.

And there are tons of monogram style options.

I can't recall this ever happening before, but I got an email yesterday announcing additional markdowns on their sale!  WOOHOO!  I guess the recession is even slowing down Gucci customers.  Anyway, it's a great opportunity to swoop in for some bargains.

For example, just what EVERYONE needs is these G shape ice cube trays (set of 2), normally $100, now only $39.

A great bamboo key ring, normally $160, now only $59.

In shoes, they were showing a lot of patent leather for Spring/Summer - I'm not a fan. But if you are, a lot of those styles are on sale. But check these out... "Pelham" high heel platform sandal with 3.7" heel in brown leather with light gold hardware, normally $495, now only $199!!!!

You can even find some great bargains in ready-to-wear fashion like these black tab waist pants in cotton/elastene. Normally $675, now only $269! Wow, that's amazing.

Hurry before they run out! Gucci.com.

Prada is featuring this fairy print on handbags and clothes in their 2008 Spring Collection.

It's supposedly been a big hit - is sold out, and has been called by some the "bag of the season".

Well, I'm afraid that it's just plain ugly and hideous. I've never been into fairies anyway, but even if I was, I woudn't want them on my $2000+ handbag.

Marc Jacobs (I mean "collection", not Marc by Marc Jacobs) makes some seriously AMAZING bags like of course the classic Stam bag, but it seems that many of his great bags are only made one season and then you can't get it anymore.  BOO HOO.

Like these two bags, that  I just love.  The Capra Bag:

And the Karen Bag:

I love how he uses metal link shoulder straps and the quality of the leather.... and the rather giant snap buttons at the top of the framed bags...

Harper Collins is sponsoring a sweepstakes for a Hermes Birkin bag in conjuction with the April 22 release of the new book, "Bringing Home the Birkin" by Michael Tonello.  You can enter here.

Woo hoo!  Who wouldn't kill for a free Birkin bag!?  The book sounds pretty good too.  It's a true story about this man and how came to do what he does: track down Birkin bags for people who don't want to wait forever for one on the Hermes waiting list.  Just the sort of light entertainment that's good for a "beach read".

LV has released a new bag design: the Galliera city bag.

It comes in 2 sizes, the GM ($1360) and the PM ($1180). I like the shape and the big size. You can buy them at eluxury.

Louis Vuitton's Spring 2008 collections are out.  They're featuring some spring-y colors and designs.

Freesia Platform Sandal $740.  I love the wood heel and platform! I love walking on shoes like this, I even like the "clomp, clomp, clomp" noise they make when you walk on a hard floor, and how you feel sort of like a geisha. (does anyone else know what I mean?)

Monogram Inclusion Ring $215.  I don't usually like pink at all, but this would be fun to wear and would be okay to add a little color to an outfit.

Cadenas Key Holder $325. I just love this keychain... a bit pricey, but it's so cute with the lock and key and convenient with a clasp and a key ring.

Last, the Monogram Tisse Beach Towel. $425 Other than Hermes, this has got to be the ultimate beach towel! An homage to the classic LV trunk.

Has anyone else noticed that the number of amazing handbags in the marketplace has grown exponentially over the last several years?  It's impossible to keep up with.  Maybe it's even ridiculous.  It makes me think of Thomas Couture's "Romains de la Decadence" (it's hanging that the Musee d' Orsay in case you don't know what this is), except we now have EXCESS more so than vice (although us and the Romans are/were very good at both).  The excesses available to us are so compelling though...  back to the bags... you know, it used to be great if you had a Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.  But now there are like a gazillion "it bags". Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Mulberry, Luella Bartley, Botkier, Kooba, Balenciaga, Burberry... it goes on and on.  Even stale old brands like Bally are getting into the game with updated styles that of course, cost about $1000. Here's Jessica Alba with her Bally "Jana" bag and the Bally "Soledad" bag $799, that is on sale right now at zappos.com for the bargain price of $599.21.

Tomorrow's the first day of Spring, so it's a good time to go through your umbrella inventory to get ready for rainy season.  I love cool umbrellas.  The only problem is that I tend to lose them.  I've left 2 Burberry umbrellas in cabs, I'm on my 3rd one now.  Despite this, I like to have at least one nice umbrella along with several of the NYC standard issue $3 umbrellas ($5 if it's raining).

Here's the super deluxe ultimate umbrella: Louis Vuitton Arc en Ciel Umbrella $580 at eLuxury. Okay, that's expensive... BUT it's made with real wood, brass and leather.  Not a lot of umbrellas can say that much.

Here's a reasonable priced one from Burberry. The Slim Walker Umbrella $165. Their umbrellas run from $695 for a super deluxe one similar to the LV above, down to $140 for a mini folding umbrella.

This one's not very exciting looking, but it's very heavy duty for wind. Davek Umbrella available at frontgate.com $99.50.

This one is only $38 and has a nice wooden handle and cool link print. Banana Republic $38.

In the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day, here are some festive green things to wear/carry. 

Bezel set emeralds and diamonds on a 14k chain @ Ross Simons on sale $1,015.75

Theory rayon tank dress in shamrock green @ Bloomingdale's $285

D&G Woven Straw Tote @ zappos.com couture $949