Handbags Fashion

say bye-bye to Miu Miu..

The Wall Street Journal has recently reported that Prada’s sister brand, Miu Miu has departed from many U.S. department stores as a result of a disagreement of how the secondary brand should be displayed. The company wanted their own store-in-stores, while the department stores wanted to mix Miu Miu in with all the other high-end bags.

The Prada House launched the Miu Miu line in 1992. The cheaper line was created for the younger generation. Miuccia Prada’s nickname is Miu Miu.

The Birken Bag by Slow & Steady Wins The Race

Take a second good look at this, as it’s not what it seems to be. I recently ran into this new clothing label Slow and Steady Wins the Race (yup, that’s its name), and I was utterly shocked at their latest handbag design, the 4 Sided Birken. No, I didn’t misspell anything, I’m not making this up, and I’m not pointing fingers either, but can you all see the resemblance to the French Couture Brand Hermes Birkin? Top handle straps, secure flap, square-ish silhouette, and leather body?!

I would never be caught dead carrying a fake and even designer inspired handbags are a big NO in my book. Clearly, the infamous Birkin inspired Slow and Steady’s version. It’s no surprise how a Hermes Birkin can cost the average person a kidney and their first born, surprisingly, the Slow & Steady’s Birken doesn’t run cheap as it carries a steep price tag of $1,100! Personally, I’d rather save my pennies for years to buy the original Hermes Birkin!

Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet

I have never seen a wrislet that I would even consider wearing until I saw the Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet. It’s cute, patent and totally stylish. I love the Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet because it resembles a little purse and great for those days you don’t feel like carrying much. The wristlet literally looks like a mini Chanel handbag that would be held by a child. I’m not too fond of the Chanel quilted leather but I think it looks quite adorable on this wristlet. The Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet is also very versatile as it can be worn on the wrist or even ankle. Only downfall about the wristlet is that you can’t fit much in it but it would be great for a night out on the town when holding a huge purse would just be an inconvience. If you love carrying only your cell phone, compact, lip gloss, and a little wallet then this wristlet would be great for you. Everything about this wristlet is stunning but the price.
The Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet is usually priced at $1,350 but is currently for sale on bluefly for $1,080. If you are not in love with the black patent leather the wristlet it is also available is red, red/white and gold. My favorite is the black patent leather but you can’t go wrong with any of the colors. Yes, the Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet is a little pricey for a wristlet but no one can deny it is quite gorgeous for a little accessory.

Coach Penelope Leather Shopper

Cobalt. As mentioned by fellow blogger brs, it’s the blue to go for this spring as it seems like every brand right now is flaunting their version. For the past couple of seasons or so, something really different is going on over at Coach Headquarters… and I love it! Their changes are great and they can clearly be seen among their collections. One of the brands latest is the Penelope line. With its surprising colors and new silhouettes; Coach handbag is really brings “new” to the table. I’ll admit that I’ve been cautious of some of Coach’s logoed stuff, but I never feared their leather goods, and the Penelope Leather Shopper leaves no exceptions. Who knew pebbled and patent leather could look so good together? Coach seemed to pull it off as the combination is pleasant rather than busy. My favorites things about this shopper: the choice of hues, the minimal silver hardware, and the pretty feminine ruffles found decoring its upper body. If only this shopper lost the handle studs and the leaf-shaped zipper pull, then I would adore this piece even more! Measuring in at 13” x 8” x 4” you can find this newbie carrying a very reasonable price tag of $348

Gucci Hysteria Purse in Magenta!

Gucci Hysteria Purse in Magenta!
If you fashionista’s don’t already know, right now over at Saks Fifth Avenue there is yet another big sale which includes incredible prices on premium designer goods! Unfortunately, this pretty gem cannot be found on Saks’ sales rack (I wish), but it is available for its original retail price tag of $1,650. If you don’t already know, this is the Small Hysteria Top Handle Bag by Gucci. How do you ladies feel towards this bag? Personally, I love it. I adore the whole leather body and how it gathers in pleat-form from the bottom to the top. It’s double flat leather handles benefit in carrying the replica bag on the crook of your arm, or if you prefer free hands, its detachable leather shoulder strap should come in handy. I like how perfectly the gold-toned hardware compliments the gorgeous leather hue. Those metal crests add the perfect touch and finish the fashion bag off with just the right amount of “bling”, without the bag appearing “tacky”. As I briefly mentioned, the color is amazing and perfect for fall. Overall, I hold nothing but positive feelings towards this classy looking Gucci handbags, dressed up or dressed down, its sure to make some heads turn.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Flights of Fancy Collection.. Louis Vuitton Conte de Fees Collection

When my fellow Fashion Bag Bliss blogger, Deysa, posted about the Marc by Marc Jacobs Animal Wristlets I thought they were kinda cute. Not something I would use as a wristlet, but I thought they would make adorable little makeup bags. I did, however, question how good ol’ Marc came up with the idea of animal-shaped wristlets. Were they part of something bigger? Well, as it turns out, they are actually part of the Flights of Fancy Collection which is new for this upcoming Fall season. The collection includes handbags, wristlets, coin purses, key chains, and even jewelry.

But wait just a minute! Cute little woodland creatures? Patchworks of fabrics seen in other collections? The Flights of Fancy Collection reminds me so much of Marc’s collaboration with artist Julie Verhoeven back in 2002. Does anyone recall the Louis Vuitton Conte de Fees Collection? Just in case anyone has forgotten, I have pictured below the Louis Vuitton Conte de Fees Beggars Bag.

Hmm… it seems to me that perhaps Marc has taken a little trip down memory lane. What does everyone else think? Personally, I think Marc Jacobs definitely took inspiration from the collection. And although the animals are cute, I think I will stick with just a small accessory and forgo adding one of the handbags to my collection. That mouse key chain is so freaking adorable!

Madonna New Face of Dolce & Gabbana Summer/Spring 2010 Advertisement

You just can’t keep the queen down. She may have been dumped by Louis Vuitton for the much younger Lara Stone and Daisy Lowe, but Madonna’s already found another modeling gig. The Material Mom will front Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2010 campaign.

Acclaimed photographer Steven Klein shot the fashion ads in New York last week, and the designers say they’re thrilled with the “simply beautiful” images of Madge.

“To have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true,” designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana added.
This isn’t the first time the talented trio has worked together. D&G were behind the costumes Madonna used for her Girlie Show in 2003 and last year’s Sticky & Sweet tour. I don’t expect anything quite so outrageous for Dolce & Gabbana’s bag next collection; the fashions have to be worn by mere mortals after all. Yet Dolce & Gabbana has a habit of surprising us, so you just never know!

Coach Sues Target for Copyright Infringement | Retail Chain Sells “Confusingly Similar” Purses

Luxury handbag label Coach has filed a lawsuit against Target, alleging that the retail giant has infringed upon its intellectual copyright.

In a lawsuit lodged at the United States District Court in Manhattan last Thursday, Coach claims Target is selling handbags “confusingly similar” to its Ergo and Signature Patchwork collections.

“Target is not authorized by Coach bags to manufacture, distribute, advertise, offer for sale and/or sell merchandise bearing the Ergo designs or the Signature Patchwork designs,” the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit includes claims of trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Target is pleading ignorance on this one, with a spokeswoman claiming “We are currently looking into this situation and working with our vendor partner.

“It always has been – and continues to be – Target’s policy to respect the intellectual property rights of others.”
It’ll be interesting to see how this case goes. We’ve seen the luxury labels take down many small bag brands creating obvious counterfeits, but a firm with the might of Target may be another story.

Christian Dior Limited Edition Evening Bag | Stunning Satin Saddle Shaped Purse

I’ve always loved the look of Christian Dior’s Gaucho saddle bag, but this casual leather purse isn’t really appropriate for an evening out. So I was thrilled to discover this stunning Christian Dior evening bag. It’s got the saddle shape I adore, but the satin exterior makes it the perfect partner for a little black dress.

It’s smaller than the Gaucho, but it’s big on style. The satin finish is accented with black patent leather trim and shiny nickel hardware. The “D” signature charm will ensure everyone knows you’re carrying a Christian Dior original.

Pleats at the base give this replica handbag a feminine touch while allowing it to open wider than you’d expect. This ensures there’s enough space to hold your Blackberry, lipstick, keys, and a few credit cards. That’s all the essentials you need for a great night out!

Carry it like a clutch or use the beautiful “CD” chain strap to wear it over your arm. No matter how you use it, this Christian Dior purse is perfect for your next black tie party or special occasion!

Chloe Marci Hobo Bag | Large Horseshoe Accented Slouchy Calfskin Purse

Traditionally slouchy and boho chic, the Marci hobo from Chloe bag bucks the trend with some equestrian flair.

The preppy riding school feel comes from the large horseshoe shapes stitched into the front of the Marci. The curves accentuate the bag’s lovely lines, and might just bring a little luck your way! The horseshoes also help to hide the front pocket, so you get practical perks without the style drawbacks.

The single shoulder strap is wrapped in leather for a little extra style. It’s not very long, but the top of the bag slouches down so low that you can still easily carry the Marci over your shoulder.

The vermillion red calfskin may scream a little too loudly for some, but I think it’d really pop against gray winter days and dark trench coats. It’s a shame there are no other color choices for conservative types though.

The Marci isn’t in stores yet, but I’d get my pre-order in if I were you. Hilary Duff’s already been spotted carrying it in Gossip Girl, so demand is bound to be as big as this fashion bag!