my fashion heirloom

When I was in NYC a few weeks ago, most likely in a fashion week tizzy, I bought the Celine Boston tote. My personal style philosophy is that every woman should own a handbag she loves to death.

Two years ago I was lead astray and bought an used Hermes Bolidefrom a friend believing this was the ultimate handbag. At the time of purchase, I believed the "Hermes" label would give me "style" which is so incorrect, I'm ashamed of myself for every subscribing to such foolish thinking. Labels don't matter. Who cares if you fall in love with a bag from T.Maxx or Hermes, the point is to invest in a classic that's your style. It's easy to always assign "luxury" with expensive price tags, when really luxury is buying what inspires you.

My Boston tote is a gorgeous rich navy blue and makes my heart race every time I see it. Carrying this bag until I'm 80 and then passing it on to a kid or grand kid that loves it just as much as I do is a very likely scenario. They will ask, "Grandma - what's bag all about? I bought it in New York City in 2010 when I was 30 on my first visit to Fashion Week. It was a magical and powerful moment in my life."

Celine Boston Tote

Stuff I want: Lam's Ram

No doubt Derek Lam's Nyla hobo bag will be whispering to me in my dreams... "buy me, buy me." Other than the sleek, easy to wear shape, the ram hardware caught me eye. If animal lure is true, this bag is certainly the strong, powerful, virile type in the handbag world.  If only I were an Aries... Bag Snob goes deeper into the matter.  A little info about the significance of Lam's ram:

The Fall '10 rams head detail is a new generation version of what I did for my very first bag collection. Everybody kept asking me to bring it back, and so with some updated tweaks, it is back. But the original rams head bags from Fall 2006 remain unique and will not be reproduced ever again. This way, I wanted those who have the original bags, my early supporters, will always know they have something special."

If only I had an extra $1200 in 2006 to spare. Perhaps a new eBay search is in order...

Kelly on a string

Purseblog


Disclaimer: I can't afford this bag. BUT, I love it still. Meet the Hermes Jypsiere shoulder bag. For guy or gal, it's part messenger, part Kelly. Lady like meets super functional. I found it on Hermes and researched the DL on purseblog.com. Looks like it's from Fall 2008. There are two sizes and plenty of good colors - I like deep blue. For a mere $7,600, it's a steal...for Hermes.

The Handbag Question

I came across this repost of LA Times Magazine's 50 Signature Handbags on Bagcraze. Even from an aesthetics standpoint, I love how the chart is put together. It's a very cool pictorial history of the legendary must-have handbags. I don't subscribe to the "it" bag philosophy, but I do appreciate the stories behind each piece's creation.

For example, the Hermes Birkin was originally created transport riding gear from home to the stable. Now you wouldn't dream of putting horse bits in your Birkin.

Bagcraze boils it down to her top 10 which seems fairly agreeable:

Clients always ask, "What bag do I need?" That usually depends on budget and taste. Some ladies have no budget and thus a closet full of Chanel and Hermes. Some ladies do - like me - and use Ebay to their advantage in amassing a decent high ticket purse collection. That said, sometimes, good style dictates a selection that comes with a story rather than a mind blowing price tag. One of my favorite bags is a simple caramel colored Coach bag I bought years ago after saving my part-time job money for 6 months. I love that little shoulder bag. It sits next to Hermes Bolide, but has a much fonder spot in my heart.

Just get what looks good and feels right. Buy what you love.

What's your favorite handbag?

50 Signature Handbags: Part 3

Givenchy Purse Envy

This Givenchy Tinhan bag in that black and white optical print which was everywhere in the Spring 2010 collection was brought in for a client last week. The sight of it gave my neck whiplash for two days as it passed me in the hall to head into its appointment. I LOVE IT! In person, when you touch it, feel it, YOU PEE YOUR PANTS. Pack accordingly.

Brian Boy details the leggings available in same graphic, oh-so-Givenchy black and white optical print.

Does anyone have a spare $1895?

the bag that got away

Ever see a dress or shoes that you immediately love, need to have, can't live without? Such is the case with the above Mulberry Bayswater handbag in pony hair. Retails for $2500 and was sold on eBay early this morning for $523. I knew I should have snatched it up when I saw it. The print is so chic and well done. Certainly a bag I would have had forever. Tear streaming down my cheek... Another animal print item I see EVERYWHERE and can't decide about moving on is the Alexander Wang Alla Leopard Wedges. Is it worth the $900?