Celestina Espasol Silver-Plated Filigree Clutch

Celestina Espasol silver-plated filigree clutch $1,325

A little annoyed today about the limited range of brands Asians typically know. Plus there is that snobby vibe that usually accompanies Asians that define "big brands = good". Yuck.

Yes, brands give us quality materials and designs most of the time, but sometimes it really depends on the collection itself. And sometimes, the head designer at certain brand names get changed out and quality just isn't the same. I am not against big brands, I love them lots, but I would love to see people look at things that catches their eyes and ignore that name thing a little more.

So here's a brand I've never heard of: Celestina. The cutout filigree patterns on the silver clutch isn't for everyone, and it rather reminds me of filigree fence you would get at European establishments, which makes everything more romantic than it actually is. And because this caught my eye while surfing online at Net-a-porter, I RESEARCHED the brand quickly and found her many other clutches that are quite covetable.

Celestina Abalone Felipa Clutch

Celestina Mango Clutch

Maker of the Celestina brand: Tina Maristela-Ocampo.
Location based: Manila
Big editor moment: Anna Wintour included them in Vogue's list of 2008's must have accessories.

Now, wasn't that easy??? Google search took only a few minutes at most...And now I know a new name for clutches.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Nancy Gonzalez Silver Lizard Clutch

DecadesTwo Nancy Gonzalez Silver Lizard Clutch
$520.00 (Was $1,100.00) 53% Off

Nancy Gonzalez painted silver lizard clutch. Crafted in a hard box shape and style. Fully lined with lavender satin. In next-to-new condition.

Measurements:
6" L x 3.5" H x 1.75" W

Materials: Lizard
Lining: Satin

This is my lust-of-the-day that turned up at Hautelook.com. DecadesTwo is selling this next-to-new silver lizard clutch for 53% off. I really think it should be a little cheaper because it's not completely new. But that said, it sure is lust-worthy. Nancy Gonzalez always makes beautiful exotic bags, though I find them a little old sometimes, which is what happens when you craft crocodile skin into a hobo or tote. So I prefer my exotic skins in small doses and this clutch is the perfect dose. Plus, what a pretty color!! The lizard skin is understated and glamorous at the same time, so you will never feel like you're trying too hard.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Judith Leiber "Ritz Fizz" Silver Crystal Clutch

I NEED THIS CLUTCH!!!

Can you really blame a girl for wanting and neeeeeding this? It was $2,495, but good ol' RueLaLa brought it down to $1,199 for us...Top of my wishlist...If only someone would buy it for me...*wink wink wink*

*deep breath*

Being an EXTREMELY RATIONAL SHOPPER, I have to explain to you why I must have this clutch:

(1) It's pretty.

(2) It has a thin, optional silver-tone chain to sling it on your shoulder to free up your hands.

(3) It has various sizes of hand-applied clear and grey Austrian crystals. Not your usual one size, one color repetition across the entire bag deal. UNIQUE! Plus the mix adds texture.

(4) Approximately 8.5in wide x 4in high x 1.5in deep, It is big enough to hold a designer lip gloss, credit cards, tissues, and a slim digital camera. Also, it has a back slit pocket in the interior back wall. Look at the seductive lines on that slit pocket. MMmmmm

I am convinced. Are you?

At the time of posting, there is only ONE left in the RueLaLa sale...

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Linea Pelle Alyssa on sale (and get FREE Dylan wallet)

Right now, when you spend a total of $500 at Linea Pelle, you get a Dylan wallet for free~! I thought that's pretty exciting and thus, I'm sharing it with everyone.

Honestly, the Linea Pelle Dylan Large Speedy Handbag - black and other bags in the Dylan series are still my favorites from the brand. However, the beautiful Alyssa tote is now on sale for $198 (was $495). It could be just me, but I think the lilac/grape Alyssa looks a little like a Bottega Veneta from afar... and a big slouchy bag in a nice color is always welcomed in my closet!

Here are some more coupon code and discounts you could get from Linea Pelle:

SAVE 10% on ALL ORDERS over $30! - use code: CJLP10. Good through 12/31/2009

$15 OFF - ANY ORDER - over $125 - Use Code CJLP15

FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders - Over $80! Use Code: CJFREESHIP!

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Linea Pelle Large Lola Tote Handbag

Linea Pelle Large Lola Tote Handbag - Midnight Blue Handbag

Megan Fox (female lead in Transformers I and II) is usually not my cup of tea because she tends to exude an air of sexuality in the realm of sluttiness. However, I saw this picture of her today with Linea Pelle large Lola tote handbag in midnight (navy blue) and I thought, "Wow, Megan Fox looks great here!" It is probably in part due to her toned down makeup and outfit that I find her looking good. Also, the aviator sunglasses are blocking the view of her eyes, which is the sluttiest part of her face. And a big part is because that huge Lola bag looks surprisingly great on her!!! I don't know what she has in her bag, but it looks like she fitted a watermelon in there, yet it still looks chic and lovely. You may think the Lola bag is plain, but it does have a great shape with comfortable shoulder straps and buttery soft leather. The brass hardware and LP's signature zebra lining are quite likeable too. All in all, I think Megan Fox and the Lola bag fits each other like a glove. The bag gives Megan the edge she likes and is used to, yet is soft and womanly enough without giving off any slutty feeling. For a $355 bag (down from $595), the Lola bag truly is a great find.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Louis Vuitton Irene Bag

Monogram Irene $2,640

Irene Espresso $3,890
suede and embossed patent leather

Irene Coco $3,890

suede and embossed patent leather

Along with the Totally Monogram tote, Louis Vuitton has also come out with the Irene on Jun 6th this year. It was first shown in LV's Pre-Fall'09 collection back in January and can now be found under "New Arrivals" of the online Louis Vuitton store. You know the bag is a hit because it is out of stock online and replicas are already available all over the internet (Yes, perhaps even before the real one was released).

There is a number of details I love about this bag. The little rectangular pieces that hold the straps are very cute, and the straps themselves are bigger than what you would find on the Neverful bag, which means that it would be more comfortable resting on your shoulder. The drawstrings on the bag gives what would have been a bucket a much more interesting cinched shape. All in all, the bag should look good on almost anyone. My favorite is the Irene Coco (because I'm into gray bags). What about you?

Here's a really cute Youtube video of the Louis Vuitton window display at Fifth Avenue, NYC. You simply gotta chuckle.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Pineider Travel Bags

Brown Calf Leather Boston Bag - $2,490 (Now: $1,743)





Dark Brown Calfskin Carryall Bag - $2,310 (Now: $1,617)





Dark Brown Calfskin Garment Bag - $1,605 (Now: $1,123)

If you thought that Louis Vuitton is the only bag company that produced luxurious and durable bags, you were dead wrong. Pineider was founded in Florence in 1774 and is one of the top European luxury brands that makes gorgeous hand-made leather goods. Part of Pineider's charm is from its obscurity as it is known only by a handful. When I saw these travel bags from Pineider, I fell in loveeee~~~. They are SO handsome! Raw vintage meets gentleman, these bags evoke the image of a strong edgy maturity that gets my heart pounding. The only drawback, I'm guessing, is that these heavyweight champions weigh in at 2kg to 3.5kg (4.4 lbs to 7.7lbs), which is heavier than the Chloe Paddington. In any case, Pineider's pricing is reasonable compared to other hand-made brands such as Bottega Veneta and Hermes. Also, Pineider carries a full range of stately briefcases, handbags, small leather goods, and stationery.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Prada Natural Snake Print Deerskin Shopping Tote

Prada Natural Snake Print Deerskin Shopping Tote
retail value: $2,250.00
bluefly: $1,800.00

BeautyTamaki got this bag as a gift for her birthday this year (back in June), and I have to say that the bag looks very handsome and attention-grabbing in person. Although it is deerskin made to look like python, it actually works for two reasons. Firstly, the snake print Prada produced looks amazing. The colors are pretty and the scales look realistic. Secondly, the sheen from the deerskin makes the snake print look a little like watersnake skin, which successfully elevates the bag from simply an embossed exotic to something that feels authentic and beautiful.

The Snake Print Deerskin Shopping Tote reminds me of the Tod's G Bag in Python that Jessica Alba wore to a Tod's party. There are some differences between the two bags though. The Prada bag has more of a smooth transition from front to bottom to side and will slouch like a bucket when filled and set down. On the other hand, the G bag has more of a defined bottom and is smaller on top so it will act more structured. Also, the G bag has buckle details on its sides and is made out of real python. Priced at $2,165, you may think that Tod's Python G bag is a better deal than the Prada Snake Print Deerskin tote. However, it is important to note that deerskin commands a high price because of its relative rarity and proven durability.

Prada is the one brand that has been using a lot of deerskin in the making of their bags. Deerskin feels thicker and fuller because deers have one of the toughest skin partially due to adaptations to their thorny and thicket filled habitats. Thus, it is very fitting that Prada would use deerskin to create its high-quality bags. The only drawback of using relatively heavy deerskin in a shopping tote is the incredible combined weight of the bag (the Prada bag weighs 3 lbs) plus all the "essentials" that a girl can fit in there.


Lastly, here are a couple of examples from Prada's arsenal of beautiful deerskin bags after the jump:

Prada Lace/Cervo Lux Print Bowler $1,995 - $2,350
Held above by Miranda Kerr, Australian Model, and Orlando Bloom's fiancee

Prada Antic Deerskin Bag from Fall 2006 $2,680
Held by Liv Tyler

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Throw in extra texture for interest

Brioni pleated silk tie
(Was: $335, Now $195)
at tiedeals.com

Brioni, one of the top men's suit-maker with made-to-measure options, also have exquisitely unique ties that my friend, Manuel, simply loves. Manuel showed off his Brioni tie to me on Sunday and I simply had to spread his enthusiasm for Brioni. (See Forbes slideshow of top men's suit brands).

As you can see from the picture, the key is texture. Brioni's silk tie is pleated and put together by hand in Italy. This makes for a thicker tie than usual, but it also gives the tie an extra layer of depth and detail that would hopefully translate to an extra bout of confidence and strength in your man. The tie I post here is from Brioni's spring 2009 collection and is on sale at tiedeals.com.


Bottega Veneta
Tornabuoni woven leather bag
$2,480
at net-a-porter.com

Here's another item similarly from Italy, similarly hand-made, and also packed with an extra twist of texture (quite literally). In fact, I posted about this bag back in February and I'm really excited that it's out!! I couldn't see the detail well enough in the runway pictures, but it's clear now that the extra twists added to weaves were made into a pattern instead of overtaking the entire bag. It has the look of vines growing from overhead. Exuding classic romanticism, it is also almost $500 more than the usual Veneta Intrecciato bags. I would still take this over the ubiquitous Intrecciato bags any day. After all, texture is one of the key elements when I make bag decisions!~

____________________
Update:

I caressed this bag in excitment at Nordstrom today and at first contact, it was extremely disappointing because the bag is very stiff and not the soft/supple Bottega Veneta weave we have grown to love and worship. I simply had to ask the salesperson why that is so. Apparently, the Tornabouni bag was treated with a coating for a harder finish. This was done such that there will be more of a 3-dimensional effect in the twisted strips of woven leather instead of limp little bumps across the bag. Makes sense! I still don't like the idea of a stiff Bottega, but salesperson insists that the leather will soften up upon repeated use not unlike the Intrecciato bags except to a lesser extent because of the stiffening treatment. This reminded me that the braided edges of an Intrecciato bag tends to show a lot of wear and tear because of its incredibly soft leather. Perhaps this inevitability would be avoided with the tougher Tournabouni. Hopeful, but I'm unfortunately unconvinced.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Alexander Wang Donna Leather Hobo Bag

Alexander Wang Donna Leather Hobo Bag $830

I'm currently ga-ga over this gray soft leather hobo bag! The wrinkling of its gray leather, the knotted cross-body shoulder strap, as well as its silver-tone zipper detail running through the center of the bag, it is wonderfully laidback and edgy.

The number of zipped pockets at the front seems great for storing (if I could just remember where I stored each item). But I am curious about a few details on this bag. For one, what are the two mouth-like holes above the zipped pockets? Are they just decoration or are they actually functional? I also wonder if the center zipper can be completely zipped up for a tighter bag, and opened up if the load in the bag warrants a bigger storage space.

In any case, Alexander Wang well deserves his CFDA/Vogue award from last year. At $830, it is also reasonably priced. I can't wait to see this bag in-stores.

___________________________
Update:

Woah! This bag and Alexander Wang Coco mini studded leather bag are both sold out already on Net-a-Porter, just as my friend, Fishee and I were discussing how fast things sell out on Net-a-Porter! (Note that the $4,645 Balmain Gray Tweed Military Cape and very cute $5,495 Judith Leiber Rhinestone embellished jaguar clutch are both also sold out already).

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Donna Karan Bag Giveaway at OutNet

Donna Karan Leather shoulder bag
worth $1,220

Don't forget to sign up for the Donna Karan Shoulder Bag Giveaway at OutNet. The bag can be converted into a clutch. All you have to do is fill in your details before 11:59 EDT July 17th, 2009 and cross your fingers and toes. Good Luck!

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Tod's Python Candy Sera Mini Bag

Introducing my recent proud purchase, the Python Candy Sera Mini from Tod's. The metallic python skin is gorgeous in a versatile gold color. Moreover, the leather ties at the side adds the right amount of interest to the mini bag. I would have liked it even better if there wasn't a Tod's logo slapped on the front of the bag, but it isn't so ostentatious that I cannot just ignore it. The 3.5" drop handles are also made out of python and one of the best features of the bag as they are worked into the lower part of the bag as well. You'll find one interior pocket, which is necessary for functionality. Dimensions are 10" L x 4" W x 5" H, perfect for an evening out (whether it is a formal or clubbing event).

This bag combines what chibi and I like. chibi love mini bags, and I love python. We both find this bag incredibly cute and a steal at $345 from Yoogi's closet. We can't wait till it arrives at chibi's LA place! It's too bad I will not be in LA for another few months...sigh~

______________________
Update:

The bag arrived July 13th! chibi said that the python skin is pretty soft. I found the petal-pink version of the Tod's Python Candy bag with the 2nd place on The Style Group's Top 10 handbags list! YAY!!! Petal-pink is really pretty too.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Emma Watson is...new face in Burberry Campaign

I'm, of course, a huge fan of Hermione. But when I saw these pictures, I literally drooled. I wanted to buy Burberry so badly now! Look at how edgy and modern and sleek and British Emma looks!!! She is only 19 so I'm glad she doesn't look like this ALL the time (because that would be too much eye-makeup for everyday). Nevertheless, she looks like perfection itself in these campaign, so I have to say that Burberry did something point-on right this time. Emma is wearing Burberry's forthcoming autumn/winter 2009/10 collection in the campaign, which was shot by celebrated fashion photographer Mario Testino. Set in Westminster (central London), creative director Christopher Bailey (from Yorkshire) wanted to convey the rich, historic part of London as well as the modernity of the brand. I'll say, WELL DONE, MATE~ well done.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

Jerome Dreyfuss Franky Bag in Python

While shopping at Beverly Center with my dear friends A.H and A.H. (lol~ they have the same initials), we went into the store called Traffic, where expensive and branded designer things abound. In the store display, there was an alligator clutch in tealish grey (I forgot the designer) and it looked very much like the Carlo Falchi alligator clutch except it isn't oversized and the skin is much more matte instead of glazed. Since I forgot the name of the designer, I can't find a picture to post, but if you're in the area, you should check it out because it is soo delectable. Costs ~$1,600 at Traffic.

Anyway, what was inside the store was just as wonderful, if not more so!! Inside, I found Alexander Wang's one-shoulder RED dress, and you know how much I love RED. In the bags section, my eyes fell prey to a huge bag from Jerome Dreyfuss made out of python and I literally pounced on it to feel it up (call it a fetish). I found a not-so-perfect picture of the Franky bag (see above) and for a closer view of the python, Jerome Dreyfuss Twee bag (see below) is a good reference. The Franky bag in Python is only about $2,600 for a big bag at 21" by 10" by 1". The usual leather versions of the Franky costs only ~$880 but python skin makes the bag so much more wonderful!

As you can see above, the Franky bag has straps worked into the top of the bag like a belt, so that you can pull the straps up to use as a handle like in the top picture where it is hanging in the window. Otherwise, you can also fold the Franky bag down and strap it on your arm or over your body with the shoulder strap, so that you get more of a hipster feel. Somehow, the Franky in grey python drew unexplainable fondness from me. The design is relatively simple, but changeable enough to have fun with. I'm simply unable to forget it. I hope no one buys it and it goes on sale, so that I can get it at a discount (though the price is rather reasonable for such a big python bag already).


P.S. It just so happens BagSnob and Purseblog have both wrote about Jerome Dreyfuss's black bags lately. Honestly, I haven't taken much notice of the french designer until now. If you want to see more of Jerome Dreyfuss bags, his website is in french, so it might be a bit hard to navigate for those who don't know the language. You can also watch this video (also in french), but it showcases the bags, so you can have visuals.

Continue Reading...

Summary only...

LV and Takashi Murakami 2nd collaboration

Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami are doing it again. Their first collaboration was during the spring-summer 2003 season. This time, the lively Superflat monograms are back again and I'm filled with anticipation. To whet your appetite, Murakami has created a film animation to follow his Superflat Monogram film from 2003. The new film is dubbed the Superflat First Love (you'll see why by watching it here!).

Continue Reading...

Summary only...