Musings about form, function and handbag fashion for the stylishly off-kilter : BagExchange.com

Who Says I’m Not Artistic? Certainly not Fendi

Did you ever want to be an artist, living the life right out of a New York Minute fairytale? Preferably wearing black from head to toe, kicking back looking acquisitive and relaxed at the same time at your huge gallery opening down in SoHo. Ahhhh, I wish…..at least, I think that would be, like, totally, awesome.

But, wait, I’m not an artist, and even if I have a smidgen of talent, I’m so insecure and full of self-doubt that I wouldn’t even be able to enjoy the moment of satisfaction and exhilaration after completing my pièce de résistance. So, it’s pretty obvious that Fendi’s version of paint your own ceramic (except it’s canvas and not for holding your favorite tea or coffee or flower), is not for me. My word, I wouldn’t know where to begin…what if I pick the wrong palette and mix yellow and brown by mistake? It’s not like I could gesso over it or *gasp* chuck it in the trash since I plopped $1,300 for the blank slate, garnered from either Neiman Marcus or eLuxury. Rendered in coated canvas, with a removable shoulder strap, gold metal logo appliques and an acrylic double “F” logo, the bag is accompanied by 10 Pantone permanent markers which makes me shudder more as because for the price, I expect real gold dust mixed in. Oh, yeah, it’s not returnable after you scribbled on it.

Valentino Garavani’s Tributary

Valentino Petale Dome Bag

Admittedly not the most original, but the huge bursting rose on a handbag is unequivocally tantalizing, making the heart beat faster, the palms get sweaty, and thoughts of taking the pocketbook out for some major spending. Yes, it looks very much like the larger and maturer version of YSL’s Nadja, or more aptly, as if Nadja and the Muse had a child, and all their best qualities were passed down. It boasts top handles and a shoulder strap for when you want to carry more then your personal effects. The soft, smooshy leather is played up by the ruffles-cum-petals. Yes, yes, I know, it’s just not original to make it an iconic handbag…..but, isn’t imitation the highest form of compliment to an old friend (albeit it’s also a nod to Tom Ford and Stefano Pilati), and so that should be good enough to garner YOUR approval, yeah? Clocking in at about $2,400, it is available on pre-order at Neiman Marcus. Bold and feminine, austere and artful, roomy yet dressy….it’s quintessential Valentino.

2008 06 15 ellen Utilitarian Totes Comments (1) Permalink

Love/Lust

Heart’s desire realized in corporeal form. Appearing to the left, visions of red and white posies tied together for the blissed walk down the aisle. Ripened excitement of the day’s event is cusping. This techno-laced petite sac from Marni appears to float in at one with the ethereal good tidings and well-wishers gathered for the sole purpose of celebrating love. However, if love is not what you seek, but which you find overrated, a change of hue turns blushing to scarlet. Both seek happiness….in different ways. The innocent is available at Net A Porter for $945, while the alter-ego is available directly from Marni for $1,082.

2008 06 03 ellen Small Purses Comments (0) Permalink

Yves Saint Laurent, 1936-2008

The fashion world has lost an icon. We will miss Yves Saint Laurent, a great visionary, a great artist.

2008 06 01 ellen Articles, Books & Essays Comments (3) Permalink

A Matey’s Best Friend

I love all things preppy. LL Bean’s classic boat totes are de riguer for me as much as Hervé Chapelier might be for others. No matter which side you like your bread buttered, they are ostensibly very similar. Stenciled cut, squared off, and formatted in colors one would find on a Pantone chart. Great staples. I would like to welcome a third partner with a 21st century twist into the mix. From the Gap, this tote looks to be a product of a brainstorm from an ingenue who got together with her sophisticated femme of a mentor who got together with a modernist. Utilitarian at its core, it succeeds in incorporating summer playfulness, thus making it convertible from office file bag to summer beach or picnic bag to boarding the next catamaran to Catalina Island. So, so, so, incredibly affordable for under $35.00. In durable nylon with two charming bows that tie at each side, it’s perfect to hold everything for every kind of occasion.

2008 05 30 ellen Utilitarian Totes Comments (0) Permalink

Among the Obvious Luxe, Bulgari Facets Ultra-Luxe Bags

Of this quartet of images, let’s look at the very top left. This is the most “accessible” of all, meaning that it’s available online for a mere $1.5k to anyone who comes along. Pretty swanky still, but of course as this is from the luxury jewelry brand, Bulgari. The other three accompanying are special order, wrought from snake skin combined with ancient coins integral to the Greek and Roman origins of the company. Bulgari, known for bold, even somewhat brash, design is equally upfront in their leather goods design. Showcasing quality skin, each handbag carries a modicum of concern for additives other than their iconic roundels. Consequentially, the Graces smile upon with satisfaction.

Starting from left–

Bulgari, Gathered Sac, black soft calf leather with palladium plated hardware and light blue lining, two handles, one internal compartment closed by magnetic flap with one inside zipped pocket, 15 x 8.3 x 4.7″, $1,550.
Bulgari, Python Monete, black python leather pochette with “Monete” 18kt yellow gold hardware. This special pochette is enriched by two unique and original ancient coins. If you are interested in this creation please contact us at 1-800-BVLGARI.
Bulgari, Python Twist, black python leather “Twist” bag with “Monete” 18kt yellow gold hardware, enriched by two unique and original ancient coins. If you are interested in this creation please contact us at 1-800-BVLGARI.
Bulgari, Python Monete Pochette, white python leather pochette with “Monete” 18kt yellow gold hardware, enriched by a unique and original ancient coin.If you are interested in this BVLGARI creation please contact us at 1-800-BVLGARI.

2008 05 24 ellen Clutches
Daily Carryalls
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Bea Valdes Takes It “One Bead at a Time”

Artisans possess the gift to chisel a chink off the mundane and allows us to discover the exquisite deeper and more layered vista to comtemplate. I herald Filipina sensation, Bea Valdes, a master crafter of the humble bead. Each bead strung by hand, each bag never identical but fraternal. Into the recipe, she mixes crystal, semi-precious stones, feathers and sequins and behold, something new yet traditional enough that you would expect to see them under glass of a curio. Currently this Maharlika Bag is available at CoutureLab.com for $8,750. If you are one of those rare creatures who really has everything, here’s something new to add to your collection.

2008 05 16 ellen Small Purses Comments (0) Permalink

J Crew Owen Hobo Takes Its Cue from Rive Gauche

If you always wanted a Mombasa handbag, which was created in the Tom Ford era for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, but have had trouble finding one on eBay or anywhere else for that matter, feast your eyes on this. Not bad, eh? It even has a gosh darn real horn handle attached with antiqued-brass O-rings. Thanks to affordable and chic J Crew, for only $398, it is a third of the large-sized deer-horn muse. Honed from “mountain leather” (wtf????) and tumbled in Italy, it comes in Terra Cotta and Champagne. The size is not given straightforwardly on the website, but as you can see from the following modeling shot, it’s a decent size to carry lots. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. 7″ handle drop. 9″H at center x 10″W at top x 3 3/8″D. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

J Crew Owen Hobo - modeling shot

2008 05 15 ellen Daily Carryalls Comments (0) Permalink

Complexity Personified in Escada’s Margaretha Bag

A uncomplicated silhouette, but heavily laden with intricate surface decor mimicking Moorish ceramic design, the Margaretha bag by Escada is clearly an iconic resort bag. The large, boxy satchel is functional for holiday’s day and evening, offering versatility by tightening the vertical straps anchored on either side from bottom to the small horizontal straps situated just nether of the opening. Named after Escada co-founder, the late Margaretha Ley, it embodies her vibrate personality and taste as it sparkles in bright citrus hues, sun and deep cyan waters cast over trompe l’oeil tile created by weaved cotton and buoyed by leather. As for the minor details, such as price and dimensions, they are somewhat impossible to verify as Escada makes such perfunctory stuff obsolete on its website. Inquiries are preferred by contacting your nearest store via this link.

2008 05 11 ellen Daily Carryalls
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Since When Did “THE SAK” Get So Hip?

Have I been under a rock? Perusing the web per usual instead of doing something of necessity (like folding laundry and picking up toys….boooooorrrrring!), I found The Sak. Yes, the same Sak that you see our mothers wear (no insult intended if it isn’t for your mother) or our grandmothers. Everytime I looked at a Sak at our neighboring Macy’s or Dillard’s, I knew through the core of my heart that I couldn’t pull off wearing one without conjuring up visions and sensory disgust over Mylanta or Metamucil. I have heard of late that the brand was changing directions and courting a younger age group, but that wasn’t enough to get me excited to make a special trip, virtual or literal, to find out. Well, well, well….I like what I see. Granted, I see that these leather bags are not original as they are too-close-for-comfort inspired by Botkier and HH. Given that this might make some of you who are real bag snobs (I’m just a wannabe) cringe, I can live with it if the quality is really spot on. So, what is a ‘quality’ leather bag, in my opinion? Of course, the skin has to be supple and strong, and sometimes exotic, but most importantly, the stitches have to neat and even. I have been lured over to racks and shelves of bags because they looked nice but once I examine the stitching, my crush is crushed like the first sign of a pimple on a pretty face. Shallow, yes, but we’re talking about handbags (and my concept of love back in 7th grade). Incredibly, while they may look pricey, they cost at the most $200. Perhaps this has to do with the fact that The Sak is a large company with an equally large well-connected, established, and high volume producing business model and a long-running TQM, while the smaller indie brands they mimic are still in their toddler years. How else can they offer free shipping for granted as much as we take to breathing air?

Starting from left–

The Sak, Dakota Leather Satchel in Luggage, luxurious Italian, crinkle-glazed leather is textured , 21″ detachable shoulder strap and braided leather handle, front and side zippered pockets, ‘wine’ colored satin lining, brushed nickel hardware 14″ x 9″ x 5.5″d, 5″ strap drop, $169.
The Sak, Silverlake Convertible Leather Satchel in Black, satchel converts to a stylish hobo– slide the shoulder strap out of the bottom loops and connect it again over the top to convert. Soft leather, brushed gold hardware, lining is a gorgeous colorful print created exclusively for The SAK by Paris born graffiti artist Gilles Jourdan. Main compartment zippered closure and a front flap pocket. Shoulder strap has a 13″ drop, 16″ x 10″ x 5″ d, 6″ strap drop, $199.
The Sak, Silverlake Leather Flap Bucket in Cream, roomy hobo in soft leather and brushed gold hardware, lining is a gorgeous colorful print created exclusively for The SAK by Paris born graffiti artist Gilles Jourdan, main compartment zippered closure and a front flap pocket, 12″ x 14″ x 2″d, 8″ strap drop, $199.

2008 05 02 ellen Daily Carryalls
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Tensiled and Precious

It’s quite difficult to put a spin on an old way of doing things. Let’s just say that to think outside the box is easy to say, but difficult to do. On a recent excursion to P-town, a friend of mine strolled into one of many stores full of uniquely crafted wares (for person and home), miandra, and was bowled over by the works of architect-cum-jewelry designer, Tomasz Plodowski who lives and works in Warsaw, Poland. Concentrating significantly on rings, he has certainly perfected a spin to the claw-pronged setting we all know, and they are complete head-turners. Each one is hand-crafted from sterling silver and tension-set stones, with 14k gold accents. Via maiadra and another online store, Seaside Collections, all rings are customized to your liking. One may choose among a selection of both synthetic and genuine stones and pearls. Prices are immensely moderate within the $300-$400 range. I always wear large or stacked rings on my right hand as a reminder to look for beauty everywhere. This one shall be on my short list of ones to get for its exquisite interpretation of urban romance.

2008 04 28 ellen Accessories & Jewelry Comments (0) Permalink

Beach Habitue

Okay, you don’t have to bring the ubiquitous hawaiiana bag to the beach. Picking out the perfect beach bag is a conundrum of mine, actually: how to stay stylish with your awesome swimwear but not be afraid to let it get wet, sandy, and dirty. These options can help to spur the dialogue. Easy to clean by shaking out, wiping and air-drying, they can do you, taste-maker, justice, and not look like you have been contemplating about using grocery reusable totes as beach bags (been there, done that).

Starting from left–

Anthropologie, “Summer Solstice” Beach Tote in Green, printed citrine and white circles on silky cotton-polyester; leather handles, two outer, three inner pockets, zip closure, cotton lining, 14 x 18 x 5″d, $88.
Emilio Pucci, Sundial Canvas Beach Tote, printed cotton canvas beach bag with two straps, press stud to fasten at the top, a separate compartment at the front with a magnetic clasp, zipped compartment on the inside and is fully lined. Purchasing this limited edition Emilio Pucci beach bag, available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER.COM, you are supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer® Worldwide in the battle to combat breast cancer, $795, @ Net-A-Porter.
Prada, Tessutto Multi Weave Tote in Coral, woven nylon tote with rolled leather handles and magnetic snap closure, Prada jacquard fabric lined interior with two zipper pockets, 11.5″ x 13.5″ x 7″, made in Italy, $1,650, @ Barneys New York.
J Crew, Medium Straw Beach Bag in Natural, classic straw bag with basket-weave seagrass and leather tie closure at top center of bag, leather handles and trim, antiqued-brass finish hardware, interior front-wall patch pocket, back-wall zip pocket, printed cotton twill lining, 7″ handle drop, 9.75″ H x 20.75″W at top, 10″W at base x 7″D. Catalog/jcrew.com only, $45.