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Bagtrends Is Loving Antoinette Lee's 'Mia' Handbag!

We're in the thick of holiday season and with the beginning of Hanukkah and Christmas, we're kicking into overdrive. Do you have your holiday bag selections ready? If you're still looking for a fun option I recommend Antoinette Lee Designs' 'Mia' Bag. 'Mia' is the cool girl in high school - not the ponytail sporting cheerleader, but the edgy fashionista who was the first to forgo scrunchy socks and move onto mini skirts and grommet-accented bags. Not your classic clutch, the egg-shaped Mia can also be worn cross-body (ideal for the downtown chic hipster attending club parties). If you're considering the black, take a second look at the shimmering navy - it has a nice pop in person and a bigger wow factor than the black. Don't worry about space - you can fit makeup, a blackberry, a small wallet and even a camera inside!

Bagtrends Is Loving Matt And Nat's "Camden" Bag!

You know I'm not a fan of the shoulder bag-- handheld is my preference. But, every now and then a good shoulder bag-- provided it has that all important flat base, no loosy-goosy hobos for this bagista-- is worth a second look. This Matt and Nat Camden Bag in Coffee gets a second look from me. First off, it's another eco brand aside from Vegan Queen that I actually like 100%. From their wallets to their large duffle bags, Matt & Nat never misses a bag-a-licious step. And, their prices are mostly under the $300 mark, something we can all appreciate today. The crinkled texture give this material an almost origami-like feel. And, come to think of it, if I recall from their preview that there was a whole origami theme for the season. Finally, the true chocolate color is darn near edible! Let me know what you think in comments!

Going Crazy For Claudio Orciani's Luscious Leather Bag

Have you ever looked at a woman or a man and you know they are beautiful, but in an odd way? There's something unique, maybe not proportionate or "classic" in beauty, but for some reason you can't take your eyes off this person. That's how I feel about Claudio Orciani's large leather bag, available online at YOOX.com. The lopsided center pouch, mismatched hardware on the handles, and mismatched buckle detailing on the body of the bag make me want to keep staring and lusting. Oddities aside, the color is a perfect beige/cream hue that's seasonless, and I also like that the front pocket isn't even a pocket, but a mini pouch that you can detach from the bag. This is a unique work bag that will certainly turn heads, and at the same time it's restrained enough to bring to even the most conservative office.

Bag Of The Week: The Marni Acrylic Detail Clutch

Some bags scream" look at me!" - they're bold in color, rich in hardware, loaded with patent shine, or all of the above. Others blend into the background- they're neutral in shade, lack excess embellishment and don't venture into uncharted silhouettes. And then there are those in between that bring on compliments and gazes based on sheer uniqueness, a hint of something fresh, and an artistic touch. Marni's Acrylic Detail Clutch fits into the latter grouping. The shape? Nothing new- a simple frame, coin-purse-like style clutch. The soft, graphite grey color doesn't immediately catch they eye either. It's about the little acrylic and multicolor bead that accents the clutch. What is it? Upon first look, I saw a butterfly. Now, I think it's falling flower petals. The detailing isn't grand, but it will keep your girlfriends in conversation wondering, "Where did you get that clutch?" I'm certain many will not purchase this clutch. For one, it is expensive for today's market. And two, not everyone will get how or when to wear it. For those who can afford and do get this stroke of bag-a-licious genius, send pictures, and think of me as you enter your credit card number.
Tags :   bead , detail , grey

IMAN Global Chic Oversized Envelope Clutch Is $50 And Fabulous!

I'm watching HSN right now, prepping for an upcoming segment (more on that later), and I love how the stylists on the show paired a Larry Levine coat with a fabulous €“ no joke, amazingly fabulous €“ envelope clutch. I had not seen this bag before and I was surprised to find it was from the new IMAN Global Chic collection for HSN. I've been lingering on the IMAN Global Chic section for about 30 minutes now and I'm so impressed with the style and the pricing. IMAN, model, mogul and social activist has done such an superb job with this collection over the past year. I really want this large, oversized clutch. I have not done a touch and feel test, but speaking strictly on visuals, wow. The black is my personal favorite, as the faux python looks a bit cheapy on the other colors (save for the red€¦ it was on TV just now and really looked well beyond what its price tag might suggest). In any event, for $50 I would give it a go!

BagTrends Dishes On Elliott Lucca, Free Handbags And What's Hot For Fall

This bag has been bothering me for months! Every season, Elliott Lucca and The Sak (both owned by the same company, The Sak) have a media preview in their Manhattan showroom. Back in May, I previewed the Fall/Holiday 2008 collections and fell in love with Elliott Lucca 'Catina' Drawstring Bucket Bag in lilac. I'm not a drawstring kind of bagista, but I couldn't help being drawn to the sophistication of this bag. The flat base gives it a nice, semi-structured build. The studded leather diamonds and pieced-together leather design add an art-deco feel. This drawstring exudes a matured, version of the free-spirited, downtown hipster. She's older, has a professional life and wants to marry her casual spirit with her new position in life.
So here was my dilemma. At the end of each appointment, I'm allowed to pick any bag I want €“ amazing, I know. I wanted so badly to pick this bag, but I couldn't help but go for the familiar. I ended up taking a brown satchel from this very collection €“ same pieced together leather and diamond studs. Fast forward to August when this collection hit the stores. Darn it! I really wish I took this bag. I will now purchase it because I'm so obsessed. You will be, too. Not only is the design, as I mentioned so phenomenal, but I have good reason to believe that the drawstring will become a key silhouette in seasons to come!

Bag Of The Week: The Temperley London Pandora Bag

I know it's been a while since I shared scoop with you, but I've been swamped planning the BagTrends Arm Candy Party. I'm pleased to say the event was a big success and we're already discussing dates for the next party; I'm personally on the hunt for the right mix of designers to spotlight. But, back to the bag-a-licious matters at hand. Despite the recession, depression, Wall Street turmoil and mortgage crisis, I'd still like to window shop €“ it doesn't hurt and it's therapeutically healing! Right now, with my mouth open, I'm causing a serious fog cloud at the window that holds this Temperley London Pandora Bag. The evil inside this Pandora's Box is only the price tag. Otherwise, I'm all over this retro handbag style €“ love the frame openings, the piping (that to me kind of forms a snake eye), the merlot color and the custom gold hardware. It's low on the pocket count, but I think I'm willing to overlook that point!

Bag of the Week: Morgan Oakley's 'Bella' Clutch

Back in February, while covering the World Shoe Accessories Show in Vegas, I came across the Morgan Oakley handbag line. This LA-based brand is super fun, loaded with color options and a new Hollywood must-have. This past week, Christina Milian hosted the Declare Yourself- Red White and Blue Summer Oasis and at the backstage press lounge she picked up a Morgan Oakley 'Bella' clutch in electric blue. That's also the color I flipped for when I first saw the dozen plush color choices. The mustard yellow and chocolate also looked lovely with the 14K gold plated hardware detailing. Kim Kardashian owns the same one. You can purchase the Bella clutch ($340) and other Morgan Oakley handbags at her newly revamped online shop. If you're in the NYC area on September 22, 2008, you can meet Morgan and shop her full collection at the exclusive BagTrends.com Arm Candy Party. For more details on the event, who will be there and how to buy tickets go here!

Bag of the Week: Juicy Couture Raspberry Shoulder Bag

I never thought I'd plug a Juicy Couture handbag, but this one is worth a bagalicious stamp of approval. You bagistas really loved that Mulberry patent tote I mentioned two weeks ago, so I thought another berry offering at a more moderate price was appropriate. The yummy raspberry-hued leather is spot on for not only fall, but equally as enjoyable during the sprint and summer with whites and metallics. The thick shoulder strap width will sit snugly against your body. I only wish the bag was a pinch larger €“ just an inch-and-a-half longer and an inch wider. Otherwise, a well constructed and designed handbag from a brand that I normally would endorse for handbags. Keep it coming Juicy.

Bag of the Week: Tarah Smith's "The Yuppie" Handbag

I pride myself on being the handbag loop and knowing what/who is hot long before it hits the masses. In fact, designers often come to me for press writeups or a friendly tidbit before they reveal their goods to the editors at LUCKY, InStyle, etc. So, my bag-a-licious taste buds always perk up when I find something that's already out there. Designer Tarah Smith is a former model and founder of an earlier bag line called SMAK. She's also created handbag for Oscar gift bags. FYI I googled all of that because I had no clue who she was or what SMAK bags even looked like. Looking now at her new fall offering, I'm not only excited by the classy shapes and detailing (love the lanyard-esque handles and the buckles), I'm also flipping for the prices. Can you believe in today's word you can get this bag for under $400? Trust me when I say that it's not any easy task to find a bag at this price. If you own this bag or other Tarah Smith styles, I'd love to know what you think.