Designer Handbags

In my opinion, Michael did everything right for Fall ‘07 ready to wear. The eye catching bags are not so bad either, especially the brightly colored croc clutches (yellow is not my favorite but the electric blue and juicy orange will be worth the investment). I also like his interpretation of the structured kelly bag but am not so sure about the wrapped strap, will need to get a close up in person to see if it has magnetic enclosure like the Givenchy Clarabell. I do love the added brass hardware on the top handle. It’s an interesting element that is not often used and it will also help the handle keep it’s shape making this bag an even better investment. I am usually not a fan of big buckles but in this case, it makes the bags more youthful. It is also available in leather and should you not be ready for croc. And check out the cute patent leather man bag (bottom left) he showed that are cute enough for us girls! After a year of dissing Michael, we are definitely feeling the love again.

(Photo courtesy of Barneys New York Dallas, thanks Nina!)
I loved this bag at first sight and loved it even more when I heard the name. Givenchy’s Nightingale is nothing short of fabulous. The dark silver metallic ostrich leg handle lends a modern twist to an otherwise classic shape and very simple bag. I played around with it and it was really light which makes it a great everyday bag to knock around in. It is one of those bags that will go with everything so you don’t have to think much about it. Dress it down or glam it up, you’ll look chic no matter what you wear it with. Can I say again how much I love the metallic python detail? It’s subtle enough that you won’t look like a Vegas showgirl but substantial enough to stand out. And the price is not bad for an exotic $1,895 at Barneys New York.

Sunday’s Oscar fashion can be summed up with one word, pragmatic. I guess black is the new black again. I was so bored, I was hoping that someone might actually fall from tripping on their gown (Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner). I guess celebrities are finally doing what seems so simple, you know, look in the mirror before you go out. But not everyone avoided my wrath.

Pockets?


So how pragmatic are we talking? How about pockets on gowns to hold lipstick and awkward hands - Sandra Bullock and Amy Adams (her gown even comes with a sunglasses case).

Blushing Bride

It was very practical of Nicole Kidman to do a dress rehearsal for her wedding. It’s important to see how the gown photographs. Verdict: Go with it. You looked amazing!!!

In the Nude

Did Jessica Alba look naked to you? The color of the gown was so close to her skin color it was hard to focus my eyes. I would have loved it in another color.

Poochie

This Givenchy tulle number on Naomi Watts could have been really fabulous, but the fit was so awful. Why is it all bunchy in the middle?

Wrong Season

Reese Witherspoon looked like one of those monochromatic Christmas trees you see at a department store.

Obstructed View

OK, Matt Dillon had the worst seat in the house. He sat behind Charlize Theron! The dude was cursing the whole night and you know he wanted to knock that big ass bow right off of her. Did you see him when Philip Seymour Hoffman was accepting his Oscar? He was squinting, ducking and diving around trying to see past that humongo bow.

If Only This Were the SAG Awards

I see now why Hilary Swank never wears bust revealing gowns. She has major sock boobs, like serious tribal ones. It’s so sad. There is an entire landing strip from her neck to her cleavage, which starts at her belly button. OK, Hilary, go back to wearing backless gowns, we won’t make fun of you for that anymore.

Best Dressed

Best Dressed of the night - Salma Hayek. Although I’m not sure why she was there. And Uma Thurman. Truly fabulous!!

Life throws hassles, confrontation, obstacles one after the other each and everyday.  We persist through all of the problems nourishing our bodies and minds to retain enough energy to do so.  What about our souls, though, have you ever felt as though with every breath you take a little bit of you dies inside?  That your entire existence is spent in accumulating luxuries, but the actual luxury (peace) we all seek cannot be bought?  Nourishing your soul is just as key as maintaining your bodily health; so, I encourage you to find out who you are and celebrate that essence! 
 

Then arises the question: how? How do I find out who I am?  I believe that is exactly what the good lord has put us on this fine earth to find out.  Look within your heart and if it cannot lead you always remember there is someone here for you to listen to all of the questions you seek answers to.  Give him some attention and he will shower you with answers! George Mathewson’s poem comes to mind   
 

There is an Eye that never sleeps,
beneath the wind of night.
There is an Ear that never shuts,
When sinks the beam of light.
There is an Arm that never tires,
When human strength gives way.

Recent news has come out that Hollywould Shoes is coming out with a masculine ballet flat for men.  I have just got to give them a standing ovation for the courage; I don’t know of a single man that has the fashion sense to pull that off!  Tempted, though, I logged onto their online boutique to see if I could get a sneak peek at the designs they have in mind; unfortunately, I was not very successful in the endevour.
I cannot state that it was a waste of my time because I was awed beyond imagination when I laid my eyes onto their Fall 07 heel collection.  It was probably the most expensive 45 min.  of my life!  I spent eleven hundred dollars within five clicks into the webpagel; a personal record if I may say so myself.  It was like my inner child came out and the heels were basketball size suckers! 
Take a look at these killer peep-toe stilettos and tell me that I did too much!
 

You can’t can you; they are flawless!  I can’t wait until it arrives.  My Nannini Shoulder Tote is waiting for a night out on the town with these babies!

I was talking to an old friend over the weekend who is a die-hard Principals fanatic.  She commented on my ensemble and how a top on sale at Principals would be the perfect match to go with it all.  Of course the curiosity kills the cat; so I found myself on their website a few hours later.  As it turns out the top is quite adorable and she was completely right about how perfect it would for the skirt outfit I own.  Unfortunately, the Mini Circle print on the top would not be flattering to my figure and would make me look quite close to twig like.  Well, that rose a bit of a predicament for me as I had planned on spending a little lettuce that “trip.”  I clicked into the coat section, and I was blown away with how elegant all of their coats were.  I always had the impression that Principals went for an older more classic look as the target market is for women of more years, but these coats were awesomely contemporary and elegant.

I wish I could have bought them all.  I was especially crushing over the Plum Funnel Neck Coat.  That dark but eye-popping color is just perfect for the gloominess that comes in Winter.  I need to further contemplate because that Ink and Black Coat was more than perfect for my D&G Felt Tote.  Looks like I have my work cut out for me!

Gucci has always been a personal fav of mine when it comes down to handbags because their boldness has always been inspiring. 

But I never really gave much credit to their shoe collections. That all is changing after this Milan show! 

I think I was so busy staring at the models’ feet that I missed most of the other things going on.  The Secretary Stiletto is to die for! I think it is the best combination of sexii and sophistication.  Spring 2008 is going to be an awesome season to say the least.

Finally someone does Fall 07 fashion for those of us who live miles away from even the slightest possibility of seeing a snow flake!  Charlotte Ronson’s Fall 07 Runway Collection was best described as sprinkling posh glamour over the bare necessities.  We saw lots of classic plaid going on in neutral hues, sexy mini dresses and skirts, not to forget the explosive layering with a touch of the boyish look.  Breathtakingly urban and street chic!

 I don’t think that fashion could much more comfortable than this. All you’ve got to do is take out a cute peep tote with a matching handbag and hit the city.  Nothing makes you look more fall season-y than some plaid and neutral color handbag.  The best line I’ve seen do earthy tones in a style savvy way is Nannini; I am major crushing on a Shoulder Tote in the natural oak shade!  Ronson’s not exactly what I would consider high fashion, but her interpretation of the seasons is timeless!

So, those thousand pound textbooks they throw onto you really call a need for a backpack.  But, then again this is not middle school that you can tug around your cartoon fashioned pack and still maintain a cool factor! You run across a lot of important faces on college campuses that require you making a good impression.  Your ten year old pack is not going to be doing it for you as it is an implication of your maturity level on someone who is just meeting you for the first time.  So, why not try something totally fashionable and completely functional- a tote!

I have found these totes are fabulous- whether to carry books in or the rest of my world!

Nannini Hobo Tote

A must have neutral shade for all Falls to come.

Nannini Tote

Something cute for those lit classes with smaller books

Dolce & Gabbana Felt Tote

Brilliantly adorable and professional

The icing on the cake- you don’t even need to be a student to invest in one of those gems.  They are perfect for any occasion!

The other day I saw the most dolled up urban chic ensemble downtown.  It was uniquely minimalistic with a cropped jeans and halter top.  Sounds about average right; wrong! She had on the most attractive statement belt that tied her entire ensemble together with that edgy yet classy look. 

I was inspired by that ensemble to go out and find my own statement belt.  So, today I found the perfect one!  A Yves Saint Laurent Statement Belt in a leopard print.  My Fall 07 updated closet seems to get better by the day! I’m going to be trying the same bare minimal mixed with one eye popping accessory that I saw the other day.  The only alteration I’m going to make is to wear a Balenciaga Frame Bag instead of like that one chic whom sported a wristlet.  I think the larger bag will add a bit more proportionality to the look. 

These are some lux Yves Saint Laurent Statement Belts: