Recently in Gucci Category

I haven't been "loving" the shoes from Gucci lately (the last few seasons) which is kind of a relief, since it saves me a lot of money!  I was browsing the Fall/Winter shoes at Gucci.com and I didn't see anything.  But Neiman's and Saks always have a slightly different selection... and I found 2 pairs of pumps that I really like.

This pair, New Sunset Peep-Toe Pumps are at Saks. ($585)  They are a pre-order and are expected to arrive around Nov. 14.  They also come in dark green.


These, Techno Horsebit Pumps, are at Neiman Marcus. ($575) They are also pre-order and are expected around Nov. 4.

Don't you love it when a stranger compliments your shoes?

That happened to me today!  I am wearing these Gucci suede pumps from Fall 2005... they look better in person - this is kind of an odd angle... They are still in pretty great shape thankfully.  I haven't worn them in quite a while so it was nice that someone noticed them.  It was a young woman coming off the elevator at my office building, she said "Great Shoes!", in a way that sounded like she really meant it...


They have a bit of the Guccissima leather on the toe and each shoe has half of a horsebit, so when you stand with your feet together you have the whole horsebit.

Oh, actually this happened twice this week because someone else commented on my new Marc Jacobs (yes, I broke down and bought them finally - I was really trying to not buy them but that didn't work out).  And to follow up on my previous post, the heel is 4.25", they are made in China (boo hoo) and I am happy I got them, I do think I will wear them for years since they are pretty classic looking and really comfy too.

Anyway, it's quite nice when a total stranger notices something like that, it brightens your day a bit.  So thanks strangers!

I was introduced to Flora in late 2004 when they brought the pattern out of the archives for shoes, bags, scarves etc. etc. for Cruise Collection '05 and Spring/Summer '05.

I bought these shoes!  I know they are ugly in a way, but they are also unexpected - and whenever I wear them I get a least one compliment from a stranger!  One time someone actually took a picture of them... seriously!  I think it's time to bring them out... it's feeling like Spring finally...

Right now Gucci isn't doing too much with the Flora pattern.  They do have a few scarves in the Spring/Summer '10 collection available. Here is the classic one, white background 35" square silk. Flora Foulard, $355.

Here is the background on Flora from the Gucci website:

Flora, one of the most loved Gucci icons, was born as a special commission for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966. The princess had paid a visit to the Gucci store in Milan with Prince Ranier. Having bought a green "bamboo bag" Rodolfo Gucci insisted she selected a gift. When she relented she asked for a scarf. Rodolfo was distressed: he felt Gucci lacked one special enough for his distinguished guest. He immediately contacted the renowned illustrator Vittorio Accornero, to design the most beautiful floral scarf he could create. The next day Accornero returned with his painting: it was the "Flora", a multicolored flowered template that was destined for an unimaginably extended future.

Flora kindled such long-lasting affection among European women that they passed it onto their daughters. One was Caroline of Monaco, who wore a blouse in her "mother's" scarf-print as a teenager; another, the much younger Frida Giannini, whose own mother loved the print as a girl in Rome. Re-connecting with that feeling, Giannini's revived Flora on printed canvas bags for summer 2005, was met with overwhelming demand. Other Flora variations, re-scaled, re-coloured and abstracted, made it onto Forties/Seventies inspired print dresses for summer 2006, into jewelry and on evening bags. They were all hits: living proof of the power of a Gucci icon 40 years after it was first imagined.

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. 

My very first pair of Gucci shoes were a beautiful pair of black pumps with slightly squared off toes, silver horsebits and perfect 4 inch heels.  Oh my goodness I loved these!  At the time I was working at Paine Webber Investment banking as an admin, one of the younger bankers I worked with wore Gucci shoes... and I was so impressed and sort of in awe of her style (being fresh from, lets admit it, not very fashionable Vermont)... I had to get my own even though I certainly didn't have a banker's salary!  I would still wear these shoes today if I hadn't had the misfortune of getting them soaked one day when I had to run cross town (for an interview no less), and of course it was pouring rain, and of course there were no cabs... The shoes were never the same, the leather got completely soaked and it ruined the shape.  TOTAL TRAGEDY.  I still have them somewhere, I just can't get rid of them; but I don't wear them.  Happilly there have been many horsebits since...

These from Fall 2005 have a giant half horsebit on each toe. 

These from Fall 2006 are a variation tied with a little kiltie tassel bow.

These from Fall 2007, are one of my favorite pairs of shoes.  They have a 4.5" heel and the very classic style of horsebit.

Oddly, the last two Falls I have not bought Gucci shoes. Usually when I go to the store there is more than one pair that I just LOVE and call to me, and I have to pick one... but the last two Falls I haven't felt that way about any.  And I'm definitely practical enough not to buy a pair of shoes that expensive if I don't absolutely love them...  Hopefully Fall 2010 will have my next pair!

Here's the horsebit history from Gucci's website:

The horsebit was first written into the house vocabulary in the Fifties, used on heavy tan leather saddle-stitched handbags. Since then, the horsebit has been both miniaturized and maximized as hardware; luxuriously schemed into embossed or burned-out surfaces on leather suede and velvet; turned into repeat patterns printed on silk and sculpted into the components of precious jewelry.

The horsebit played a crucial role in marking out the Gucci loafer as a time-traversing design classic. The snaffle was introduced as a decoration on the soft and comfortable brown or black leather Gucci men's moccasins in 1953. They graced the feet of Clark Gable, John Wayne and Fred Astaire, and when women's versions appeared in 1968, became the choice of sophisticated women looking for a luxurious kind of comfort. The shoes became favorite everyday wear for elegant women, such as Lauren Bacall.

In new times, Frida Giannini looks at the horsebit with fresh eyes. She might take the prints of interlocking, squared-off bits, of the highly fashionable red and blue Gucci pattern used for shoulder bags, shoes and silk blouses in 1969-1970, transform them in and project them, in mini-form, onto flowing dresses or blown up to exaggerated scale on travel-totes. With new style, a new feminine touch, that counts as the current installment in the long-running serial of Gucci design.

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!

Here's the history of bamboo at Gucci:

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.... ?

Today you can get a nice selection of Gucci Swiss-made watches at Bluefly for half off!  I love the bamboo and horsebit styles in particular...

Some examples...

Gucci Taupe and Natural Bamboo '6800' Series Watch, SALE $438 (regular $875)

Gucci Black Alligator 'Signoria' Horsebit Petite Watch, SALE $598 (regular $1,195)

They even have a couple of travel clocks, this one is in chocolate Guccisima leather, Gucci '200' Alarm Clock, SALE $175 (regular $350)

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.

I'm not usually a huge fan of Jessica Biel's fashion sense, but she looked great the other night!

It's a pretty simple outfit - - but the accessories make it great.  The chunky necklace is fab, and of course... the shoes!  Oooh, I am so jealous.  They are the Gucci Iman Platfoms from the Spring/Summer Collection.

With super high 5-1/2" heels.  The best thing is that they're on sale right now at Saks.  Regular price $1,150, sale $804.90.

The Gucci Spring Summer Sale starts today...

Their sales are always pretty good, with pretty aggressive markdowns which is somewhat surprising for a top brand.  Even the ready-to-wear is on sale.  For example this double breasted raincoat, regular price $2625, sale $1579.  That's almost 40% off.

Imagine pedaling along a tree-lined street this Summer on your GUCCI bike!  The Gucci Cruiser Bicyle is decked out with Gucci script logo on the bronze metal frame; an engraved GG handlebar bell; chocolate brown Guccissima leather seat, handlebars and seat pack; front and rear fenders; rear rack; headlight and rear light!  Wow!  The price is $6,365.  It also comes in a white version.

 

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).

Gucci's Spring/Summer Shoe Collection is featuring a lot of really high clunky heels.  With all the models that have fallen on the runway lately, I'm wondering if maybe this is getting a bit ridiculous.  I shocked to hear myself say this... because I'm a 4-inch heel girl and it used to be hard to find high enough heels, and I hated that. That's not a problem any more! But really, 5-inch heels?  I don't know...

I think Gucci is mis-quoting the heel heights, it's as if they are not including the platform in the height.  For example, the suede wedges shown above are quoted as having a 3.4" inch heel, which is obviously ridiculous. That heel is much higher.

Anyway, none of the shoes in this collection are calling out to me.  Lucky me, I just saved a lot of money!

 

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 a good one for the hideous or fabulous category: from Gucci's Fall Collection Shoes, the "Babouska" High Heel Open-toe Sandal/Bootie. $1195 (black leather with antique brass studs, 4.1" heel)

When I first saw these, I thought definitely hideous! But I was looking through the NY Times style section and they have some slide shows from fashion week, and one of the models is wearing these shoes. And, wow, they really look great.

It's so true, you know how your Mom would always say "you have to try it on", and it turned out sometimes she was right... Well these look SO MUCH better on than not. Clearly, you have to be a certain type with a strong fashion sense to pull these off (in good style), but they're not hideous at all! It's good to be wrong sometimes!

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 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...

A funny thing happened on the way to work this morning.  I was feeling so good to begin with, I got up early and ran 4 miles which is a total miracle (not the 4 miles, but that I got up early!) and then put on what I thought was a very cute outfit...  my new Gucci shoes (yes I took my own advice and snapped them up in the second round of markdowns in the Gucci sale), a Juicy Couture linen dress and a vintage Marc Jacobs bag -- with yellow gold jewelry to match the bag and shoes' hardware, classic 18k hoop earrings, my chunky fleur de lys signet ring and Raymond Weil 18k watch...

So anyway, I'm walking down the street going to work and this cute guy (with really cool sunglasses) runs after me and asks if I would be willing to be interviewed and photographed for Rouge magazine. It's a Candian magazine that's starting in the US.  So we had a mini photo shoot right there on the street and they asked me some questions about my style, etc.  So unless the pictures turn out horribly, I'll be in the September issue!  he he he, how funny!

Well I hope everyone has a nice long 4th of July weekend. Cheers.

It's just barely turned into Summer, but fashion's already thinking about Fall...  Fall is, for sure, the best season for fashion... you don't have to bundle up like you do in Winter, nor keep cool as needed in Summer.  Some really great boots are already available so you can get a headstart on Fall.

Here are some fabulous Dolce & Gabbana boots, calfskin with a 3 1/2" stacked heel in a gorgeous chocolate brown. $1,375.00.

And a sort of miltary inspired style by Fendi, in supple black leather with a 4" heel, gold buttons and round toe. $1,100.00.

This style from Gucci, to me looks kind of 70s retro in a cool way. The Ginerva boot has a slouchy shaft and 4" heel. There is a Gucci crest ornament on the heel, maybe that's a little over the top... $1.390.00.

And last, here's a leather motorcycle boot from Prada Linea Rossa. I can see these looking very cool with skinny jeans tucked in. Buckle detail at the ankle and top, 2 1/2 " heel and rubber sole. $890.00.

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.

Lately, I'm feeling like I'd really like a big clunky stoned cocktail ring.  What is a cocktail ring you ask, well according to Wisegeek and Wikipedia, the cocktail ring is a dramatic, large ring set with precious or semiprecious stones, worn at cocktail parties. "The cocktail ring was especially popular during US prohibition at illegal cocktail parties. Such a ring flaunted not only the fact that one was drinking illegally, but also that one was doing it with style."

Surprisingly enough, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a decent cocktail ring. What I mean by "decent" is NOT a ring that is "costume" jewelry. www.Ross-Simons.com is a great place to find reasonably priced jewelry, they often have 20% off sales too. Here are some examples (with sale prices - there is a sale now through March 9th).

10 carats Cognac Quartz in 14k $280

12 carats Smoky Quartz in 14k $468

9.45 carats Smoky Quartz with White Topaz in 14k $292

But, if there were no budget, I would definetly go for something like this (see below): Gucci 21 carat Smoky Quartz Horsebit Cocktail Ring in 18k $3390!

Hi again.  Just a quick entry here.  Did you know that Gucci is now selling their women's ready-to-wear line on their website?  Previously they had only sold accessories on the site.  It's great to be able to look at the pieces all in one place with great photography and different views. You click on an ensemble and it lists all of the different pieces and the matching accessories. It's also interesting to be able to see the prices.  A pair of black jeans is $435, a great silk shantung short dress is $1530. Personally, when I'm at their New York stores I don't shop the clothes.  I'm willing to splurge for shoes or a handbag, but the clothes are a bit beyond me right now (budget, not desire!) So it's cool to be able to see them online.  And hey, $435 for jeans is not that bad... I thought they'd have been more.

My last quick Gucci note is that their sleek new New York store is now open.  It's at the corner of Fifth and 56th, the same block as Tiffany's.  This new store replaces the store at Fifth and 54th. It's huge - now the largest Gucci store anywhere.

Just a quick note today to say that if you haven't checked out the Gucci sale yet, you really should!

The great thing about their sales is that although they are rare, they do mark down pretty aggressively.

Here are some examples:

This great large tote in the fabulous bamboo print with leather trim - a great beach bag - is now only $359 marked down from $595.

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This classic bag in the brown GG print with nice leather details is $739 marked down from $1050.

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And from shoes, here's a pair of black suede heels with a nice 3.7 inch heel now only $299!!!  Marked down from $495. 

 

All of these great deals are online at Gucci.com, but if you have a store near you then you should go because they often have a different selection at the stores.

Imagine my delight when I received a hand addressed invitation last week from Gucci to shop their Spring/Summer sale before it opens to the general public!  This is very dangerous for a Guccaholic.

Let me take you on my imaginary shopping spree at the Fifth Avenue, New York store where I usually shop.  (they also have a shop on Madison Avenue in Manhattan)

I would start on the third floor because I always go straight for the shoes. 

With restraint I have selected just two pairs.   First, the amazing crocodile platform sandals with a super high heel in a gorgeous chocolate brown...

And second, black 3.7 inch mules with the classic Gucci red and green web and light gold horsebit.  I have a similar pair with a silver horsebit, but I think it is good to have both to coordinate with your jewelry (white gold or platinum vs. yellow gold).

Next, I would go back downstairs to the street level to bags and wallets.  What I have been really wanting lately is a new black bag because my current black Gucci bag is starting to show its age.  I like the giant hobo with the giant horsebit because you can fit a ton of stuff in it and it has a cool slouchy look.

Next in bags, I absolutely adore the Bamboo print that they are using this year.  I am not sure if it is a vintage print that they brought back or it is a new one - either way it is fabulous.  I am bamboo crazy anyway.  I love (and have a couple of) their shoes with the bamboo detail.  I also love Tiffany's Bamboo collection in sterling silver, but they discontinued it.  :-(   Sorry, I was getting off track there.

This is the classic "Bouvier Bag" that they did this season in a ton of different leathers/fabrics/combinations.

Last of all, I would check out wallets.  The Spring/Summer wallet collection is somewhat limited, so I've picked out a unique one.   They brought back their vintage "Pigna" print, which looks to me like a pineapple.  It looks great with brown... so this would be a wonderful wallet to go with any brown bag.  It is totally unique and eye-catching.

After wallets, I'd be done! 

Wow, that was fun.  In reality, I will go and maybe buy one thing.  But I will REALLY try not to if I don't really need it because I realize that I have a shopping problem......

Happy shopping to my fellow shopaholics.