I have long been interested in luxury goods and country of origin... (thus my rants about Longchamps sourcing from China) Here is an interesting quote from the Wall Street Journal's interview with Miuccia Prada and her husband and business partner Patrizio Bertelli.
"While the Prada brand is 98 percent made in Italy, about half of Miu Miu handbags are made in Turkey and Romania, and 70 percent of the sporty Linea Rossa shoes are produced in Vietnam. Bertelli's roots lie deep in one of Italy's artisanal heartlands, and Prada runs 13 factories with 3,500 workers in the country. But Bertelli is unapologetic about his decision to make some products abroad--as long as there are quality controls. He believes firmly that consumers should learn to trust a brand name, regardless of where it's made, and that "made by Prada" should be just as trustworthy a label as "made in Italy."
Read the full article here: "Miuccia and Me" by Alessandra Galloni, Wall Street Journal
Neiman's Last Call Sale online has some AMAZING bargains!
Manolo Blahnik Studded Sandal, regular $865, sale $389
Prada Jeweled Sandal
Valentino Braided Sandal
Theory Buckle Sandal
There's a lot more too: Gucci, YSL, Louboutin, Fendi, Dolce... etc. etc. Sizes are pretty limited though so hurry!
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.
Holy smoke, check out these boots from the Prada Fall 09 Collection.
The OTK Boot in black nappa leather. $1,400. (Honestly, I'm suprised they aren't more. That's a lot of boot per dollar.) But seriously, who would wear that? Carmen Electra?
Somthing like this is a little more normal looking. Tall boot ($990), but the heel is only 3-1/2 inches, why?
For the last few years I haven't been the biggest fan of Prada's shoe designs. But I'm finding that this is changing. I already posted in back in Feb. about some of their Spring shoes that I really like. Now, check these out:
Prada Multistrap Sandals, $620. Gorgeous, super high 4 1/2 inch heels with 1 inch platform, strappy design with a side zip. And $620 isn't that bad...
And this jeweled slingback is quite stunning. Prada Jeweled Patent Pumps, $890. 4 1/4 inch heel.
What an incredibly elegant shoe!
Prada has some great shoes for their Spring 2009 collection. I love these Crisscross Platform Sandals. Although they may be a bit dangerous, the platform is huge! They're $990 though, yikes!
These Platform Slingbacks were featured in a spread in March Vogue, worn with the amazing Prada python print dress. They're also steeply priced at $690.
I like the topstitching detail on these Knotted Sandals, $590.
Here's the python dress, by the way. From the Spring 2009 Ready to Wear collection. It's $2,580!
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.
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.
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.
InStyle magazine is saying that one of the top 12 trends for Spring is trench coats. Uh, duh! Aren't trench coats always in style? I am personally obsessed (and have been for several years) with finding the perfect one that doesn't cost a fortune. (yes, someday I will get a coveted Burberry!) Banana has come close, but in the last few years they had been cutting them A-line, which I think is a mistake. A trench coat should be cut straight. Banana has one this season too, the online picture isn't very good (see below) you can't really tell if it's A-line or not, and the description doesn't say either. Anyway, here are some options:
Loro Piana $1995 
Dolce & Gabbana $1695 
Prada $795 
Banana Republic $198 
Gap $88 
Banana is having an online special right now, 15% off until March 1, so the $198 trench would be $168.30! $795 for the Prada seems quite reasonable, but it looks more flimsy than the others so maybe it's not lined?
