The Neverfull and Noe came together to create the Louis Vuitton Noefull MM

The Neverfull and Noe came together to create the Louis Vuitton Noefull MM

Louis Vuitton will never let us down when it comes to finding a way to add in its iconic monogram logo onto each new season of bags. It’s part of the genius behind the brand; the company has a knack for continuously showing us its logo on anything and everything they create. Maybe you aren’t into the logo, but clearly millions of people are, and that’s clear from the massive sales numbers and easily recognizable monogram. Personally, I tend to stay away from the logo, but when LV does it well, it lures me into thinking I need a seasonal piece that is every bit as “Louis Vuitton” as it is trendy.

The Louis Vuitton Noefull MM caught my attention with its ikat floral print and seamless combination of the Neverfull and Neoe bags from the brand. The drawstring closure allows the bag to expand to resemble the ever popular Neverfull tote, but with a pinch of the drawstring, you end up with another classic, the Noe. When the two come together, it makes for a chic marriage of the two classics, dubbed the Noefull. Not only is the shape pretty cool, but the floral ikat canvas print is chic as well. I love how the monogram seamlessly flows within the color scheme. The price isn’t as friendly: buy via Louis Vuitton for $1,770.

Louis Vuitton Noefull MM Expanded

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ShopBop expands its vintage offerings to include Louis Vuitton

ShopBop expands its vintage offerings to include Louis Vuitton

The more people get used to shopping for luxury goods online, the more they want options, especially when it comes to things that are vintage, pre-owned or no longer available in regular stores. (Or sold in very limited retail locations, like Louis Vuitton or Chanel.) Several types services, from dedicated luxury re-sellers like Portero to flash sale sites like Rue La La, to traditional auction houses like Heritage Auctions that now offer online options for luxury goods, have sprung up to meet those desires, but some retailers like ShopBop are taking the search for vintage designer handbags into their own hands.

ShopBop has been working with vintage stalwart What Goes Around, Comes Around for several years, and in the past, the handbag offerings have included lots of Chanel and one or two Hermes pieces. ShopBop has now added a small selection of limited edition and discontinued Louis Vuitton pieces to that assortment, including sought-after pieces from the Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami art collaborations. Below, we’ve included our favorite from all of the What Goes Around, Comes Around pieces at ShopBop, or you can check out the entire vintage offering at ShopBop.

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The Many Bags of Sienna Miller

The Many Bags of Sienna Miller

Is it just me, or do you feel like we’ve been seeing more of Sienna Miller recently? After her romance with Jude Law finally came to an end, the American press seemed to lose a bit of its interest in her, and according to IMDB, she didn’t act in movies at all from 2009 to 2012 after working steadily for nearly a decade before that. Perhaps the tabloids got a little too close and Sienna needed a break, but it seems as though that vacation is over – she was in several movies that came out last year, and she’s been making the party circuit with her new fiancé in New York lately.

Considering all that, now seemed like the time to take a look back at all the interesting bags that Sienna’s carried over the years. As you might expect for someone with such a particular aesthetic, Sienna’s collection fits her personal style quite well. It also fits her nationality – she carries more British designers than anything else.

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Alexa Chung steps out with Chanel (and even more customized Louis Vuitton luggage)

Alexa Chung steps out with Chanel (and even more customized Louis Vuitton luggage)

Here’s Alexa Chung once again, prowling the streets of Manhattan with an adorable black Chanel Mini Classic Flap Bag and a customized Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Keepall Bag. We just spotted Alexa last week towing her Mon Monogram Pegase Suitcase around NYC. Interestingly enough, her Pegase is customized with completely different colors than her Keepall. You can get your own customized Mon Monogram Keepall for $1,650 from Louis Vuitton.

Alexa’s Chanel Mini is a particular favorite of hers – to tour the rest of her bag stash, check out “The Many Bags of Alexa Chung”! How do you feel about color-mixing your customized designer pieces, PB readers?

Alexa Chung carries a Chanel Mini Classic Flap Bag and Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Keepall Bag (1) Alexa Chung carries a Chanel Mini Classic Flap Bag and Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Keepall Bag (2) Alexa Chung carries a Chanel Mini Classic Flap Bag and Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Keepall Bag (3) Alexa Chung carries a Chanel Mini Classic Flap Bag and Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Keepall Bag (4)

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Pick up a rare Mother’s Day gift at Portero

Pick up a rare Mother’s Day gift at Portero

Mother’s Day can be an extremely tough gift-giving occasion, especially when shopping for your own mother. What do you get for a woman who’s well established in her life, has grown children and who you’ve already given dozens of gifts for Mother’s Days, birthdays and Christmases or Hanukahs in the past? How do you pick something meaningful that’s not basically a repeat of a gift from a couple years ago? If you’re smart, you go with a vintage or pre-owned gift from our friends at Portero.com.

We’ve told you about Portero’s incredible selection of handbags in the past, but the online retailer offers much more than just purses. Portero also jewelry, watches and accessories, both vintage and contemporary pre-owned. Because the pieces aren’t brand new (although some things are still in their packaging!), many of them can be had for less than retail, which gives you a lot of bang for your gift-giving buck. When your mom knows how strategic you were in finding her perfect Mother’s Day gift, she’ll be so proud.

Want to see more of our Mother’s Day picks? Check out the full list at Portero!


Pick up this Judith Leiber Vintage Swarovski Crystal Gold Fan Minaudiere for your mom, and then take her someplace she can carry it – the opera, perhaps? Buy through Portero for $2,400.

Judith Leiber Vintage Swarovski Crystal Gold Fan Minaudiere Evening Bag

Diamonds are a mom’s best friend, and this Tiffany & Co. Platinum and Diamond Estate Petals Key Pendant is a far more unique gift than a regular ol’ pair of studs. Buy through Portero for $4,900.

Tiffany and Co Platinum and 1.18ctw Diamond Estate Petals Key Pendant

I distinctly remember my mom’s olive leather toiletry case from when I was a child, but it was nowhere near as luxurious as this Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Canvas Toiletry Trunk Case. Buy through Portero for $2,183.

Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Canvas Toiletry Trunk Case

A vintage handbag always feels appropriate for a woman who has lived a long, interesting, full life, and this Hermes Cocaon Niloticus Crocodile Kelly Bag, manufactured in 1983, might be the ultimate vintage coup. Buy through Portero for $23,000.

Hermès 1983 Vintage Cocaon Niloticus Crocodile 35cm Kelly Bag

If mom would prefer some contemporary Hermes, this Hermes Menthe Chevre Trifold Bearn Wallet would brighten up the interior of any bag. Buy through Portero for $3,420.

Hermes Menthe Chèvre Trifold Bearn Wallet

A luxurious watch, like this Hermes Stainless Steel H Hour Ladies Watch, is a must-have for a woman in her prime. Buy for $1,236 via Portero.

Hermes Stainless Steel H Hour Ladies Watch

The Chanel Black Satin Patterned Mini Flap Bag mixes a classic that moms love with a little bit of modern fun. Buy through Portero for $1,099.

Chanel Black Satin Patterned Mini Flap Bag

Lots of moms and grandmas have a thing for costume jewelry, and brooches in particular. This Chanel Gold Tone Lion Motif Black Line Stone Brooch would make a great addition to any collection. Buy through Portero for $900.

Chanel Gold Tone Lion Motif Black Line Stone Brooch

If your mom is thoroughly modern, you may want to look for a men’s watch for her instead of a women’s – the look is bolder and more contemporary, and with a watch like the Cartier Roadster Chronograph 18k Gold Men’s Automatic Watch, it’s no less luxurious. Buy through Portero for $24,690.

Cartier Roadster Chronograph 18k Yellow Gold Men's Automatic Watch 34-15

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Man Bag Monday: Who makes the best man bags?

Man Bag Monday: Who makes the best man bags?

As a real, live single woman in her 20s who is dating in New York City, I make a lot of small talk with dudes who I don’t know very well. Almost invariably, when a dude finds out what I do for a living, first he wants to tell me about that time where he spent an “exorbitant” amount of money (usually less than $600 – straight guys and their bags are so adorable) on a bag that he actually loves, and it was totally worth it, so he understands the whole handbag thing. After that, guys usually ask what men’s bags I think are the best, and I sputter for a few seconds. Given some time to think about it, though, my vote would go to Louis Vuitton.

I don’t think that Vuitton’s are necessarily the highest quality available on the planet or the most of-the-moment, but when you consider the fine materials used, the absolutely enormous selection of shapes and sizes, and the generally restrained, modern look of the bags, I think LV gives dude bag lovers the world over the best set of options available. I mean, just look at that Louis Vuitton Naxos Keepall 45 Bandouliere up there. It’s sedate, incredibly luxurious and totally classic. It’s hard to say that truthfully about any bag, men’s or women’s, but that’s often what Vuitton accomplishes with its men’s designs, especially in leather. You can pick up one for $4,850 via Louis Vuitton.

What about you? Have an indie brand you like? Prefer a company that keeps things a little more affordable? Let us know in the comments.

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PurseForum Roundup – May 3

PurseForum Roundup – May 3

Happy May! We hope April showers are bringing plenty of May flowers to your garden. This week, we found some lovely florals in Louis Vuitton, an animal surprise in Mulberry, and a few other pretty springtime reveals throughout the forum. Oh, and some bling too! Come on in!


Louis Vuitton Articles de Voyage Floral Bags

Louis Vuitton started spring off right with the launch of Ikat Floral bags and accessories. Fans have been eager to share their purchases in the LV Clubhouse thread dedicated to this line. Sprinkles&Bling showed her love of May flowers with her new Neverful and wallets, and maye’s grand bleu version of the Ikat Floral Neverful, along with Fashon1s cosmetic pouch, spurred us to look further into these great LV Summer 2013 accessories. Be sure to also check out the LV reveals this week, too!


Miu Miu Buckle Bracelet

The PurseForum’s “Latest Purchases” threads are fast-moving, fun and always interesting. Whether it is a new piece we have not yet discovered, the incredible photographic skills of our members or the stylings and pairings we love to admire, these threads never disappoint. This week in the Miu Miu thread, Luxtan revealed a cute bracelet that we just had to share with our Roundup readers. Also, be sure to see the beautiful bags that helped sissalovebags celebrate her birthday! And, if there are any Miu Miu aficionados out there, TheMoustaches needs your help identifying a pair of shoes.


Mulberry Gecko Print

We love being surprised by designers—and of course a bit of whimsy is always welcome in our closets! In Mulberry, a conversation about the gecko-themed scarves pulled us right in, and these pretty wraps immediately stole our hearts. Members tortoiseperson and thelittlestar shared their purchases here, and we were enchanted. There were lots of handbag reveals in Mulberry this week, too; we particularly loved the grass green Lily that mulberryforbes round at the outlets! A gorgeous spring green bag at a great price, what a fantastic combination!


Balenciaga and Gucci Bags

Speaking of recent acquisitions: In Handbags and Purses, the thread dedicated to handbag purchases always tops the charts, and for good reason. We perused its pages this week and found some inspiring new bags, like this colorful quartet from craziepink and allyloupuppy’s beautiful new empreinte Speedy. If you are in the mood for a new bag and need some ideas, there is something for every taste and budget in this great, photo-rich resource. See you there!


Pearls

Sometimes we need help with an important purchase, be it a handbag, electronic doodad, or piece of jewelry. For the latter, the Jewelry Box is definitely the place to start. This week, we stopped by Designpurchaser’s thread on pearl color, where helpful members shared their thoughts on this all-important jewelry staple. CrystalDreams posted a spectacular and very useful comparison shot, including freshwater and baroque South Sea pearls, and tustin’s stunning black South Seas birthday strand is absolutely not to be missed.

If pearls are not on your shopping list, The Jewelry Box Reference Forum is packed with threads dedicated to all things bling, including colored gemstones, watches, Van Cleef and Arpels and more. Of course, the Diamond FAQ and Reference thread is right on Page One for all of your diamond needs. Even if you are not shopping, the Jewelry Box is sure to become a favorite stop in your PurseForum explorations.

Thank you for taking the time to share this week’s Roundup. We hope you have a terrific weekend and look forward to sharing our favorite threads with you next week! See you then!

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Rebel Wilson carries a personalized Louis Vuitton Speedy

Rebel Wilson carries a personalized Louis Vuitton Speedy

Here’s one of my fave funny gals, Rebel Wilson, mucking about in midtown Manhattan and carrying a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Speedy 30 Bag. I love how Rebel’s stripe and monogram customization perfectly match the shade of her lip color. Rebel is the second celeb we’ve seen rocking the Mon Monogram this week – Alexa Chung was spotted ferrying her customized LV suitcase around Manhattan mere days ago. You can get your own Speedy 30 with full customization for $1,240 at Louis Vuitton.

No word on what Rebel was up to in NYC, but we suspect she might be doing a little promotion for her upcoming flick with Mark “Marky Mark” Wahlberg and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Pain & Gain.

Rebel Wilson carries a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Speedy Bag in NYC (1) Rebel Wilson carries a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Speedy Bag in NYC (2) Rebel Wilson carries a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Speedy Bag in NYC (3) Rebel Wilson carries a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Speedy Bag in NYC (4)

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Alexa Chung wheels a Louis Vuitton suitcase around Manhattan

Alexa Chung wheels a Louis Vuitton suitcase around Manhattan

Louis Vuitton luggage has been a fairly hot topic here on PB as of late. I’ve read your comments extensively, and PB reader feelings on the issue are pretty neatly divided between, “It’s tacky and overpriced,” and, “If you can afford it, flaunt it.” Today we’re not dealing with massive piles of LV, just a single, customized Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Pegase Suitcase that’s being wheeled around NYC by none other than Alexa Chung. If you can indeed afford it, and wish to flaunt it, you can customize your own Pegase on Louis Vuitton for $3,600. (Want a peek at the rest of Alexa’s designer bag collection? Check out “The Many Bags of Alexa Chung”.)

Seeing people with rolling suitcases (who aren’t tourists) is fairly common in Manhattan because it’s one of the handier ways to transport a heavy load without taking a cab, but you rarely see someone famous doing it with a $3,600 piece of Louis Vuitton. Stars, they’re just like…oh, nevermind.

Alexa Chung wheels a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Pegase Suitcase around Manhattan (1) Alexa Chung wheels a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Pegase Suitcase around Manhattan (2) Alexa Chung wheels a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Pegase Suitcase around Manhattan (3) Alexa Chung wheels a Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Pegase Suitcase around Manhattan (4)

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Check out how much Louis Vuitton luggage Kourtney Kardashian and fam brought to London

Check out how much Louis Vuitton luggage Kourtney Kardashian and fam brought to London

Today’s post is a little different from our usual celeb features – the pic you see above is obviously an unnecessarily massive pile of Louis Vuitton luggage belonging to half of the Kardashian clan – Kris, Kourtney, Scott, Mason, baby Penelope, and their assorted handlers. After the jump, you’ll see pics of the whole gang fresh off a plane from NYC to London. Kourtney and Kris are carrying Hermes Birkins (Kourtney’s personal assistant and/or nanny appears to be holding hers while she wheels the stroller). Scott Disick is carrying what looks to be a Louis Vuitton Damiere Ebene Messenger Bag, though we can’t really see it well enough to ID it with the exact design name.

We were just ragging on Sarah Jessica Parker for committing the same offense just a few weeks ago. I mean, I like to have wardrobe options when I travel too, but this is just a ridiculous amount of luggage for what is likely to be just a few days’ jaunt in London, tops. If you’re looking to pick up a reasonable amount of LV for your own collection, you can shop a broad assortment of Louis Vuitton luggage on the company’s website.

Kourtney Kardashian Kris Jenner Scott Disick Louis Vuitton Luggage Hermes Birkin Bags-4 Kourtney Kardashian Kris Jenner Scott Disick Louis Vuitton Luggage Hermes Birkin Bags-3 Kourtney Kardashian Kris Jenner Scott Disick Louis Vuitton Luggage Hermes Birkin Bags-5 Kourtney Kardashian Kris Jenner Scott Disick Louis Vuitton Luggage Hermes Birkin Bags-1

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PurseForum Roundup – April 19

PurseForum Roundup – April 19

[Editor's Note: This is our PurseForum Roundup from Friday, which we chose to wait and publish today because of the events in Boston.]

Friday is here, and that means another PurseForum Roundup! Thank you so much for checking in with us each week. We do our best to provide you with lovely diversions and interesting conversations to close out your week, and some weeks are tougher than others. Let’s take a little breather and see what our PurseForum members have been up to. This week, we visit Céline, read some make-up reviews, check out some recent purchases and so might more. Put up your feet and come along!


Hermes Scarf

Did you know that the PurseForum has lots of tips for shopping and buying online? Our Shopping Resources subforum is full of threads with information on VAT, customs, international mail services and more. And of course, we have some great threads bursting with bargain outlets, discount stores, and consignment bargains. Be sure to check out one of our favorite threads, the fast-moving Secondhand Bargains showcase. This week, Tuuli35 scored a great pair of Marc Jacobs shoes, and jholtzm knocked our socks off with her amazing find that we will leave you to discover. You will be amazed!


Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Contents

If you have spent any time on the PurseForum, you know that our members absolutely love to snap pictures of their bags. Over in Handbags and Purses, we checked into the Instagram thread to see how everyone was styling their bags and found Busybee1984′s Speedys’ colorful contents. And if you are an expert at identifying handbags, your help is needed in the Identify this Handbag thread. By the way, Chicago member heidiandchloe is looking for suggestions for a great rainy day handbag, too!


Makeup Haul

Do you ever wish you could just RAVE about a new beauty product? On the other hand, do you wish you could share your disappointment in a place designed just for ranting about purchases gone wrong? The PurseForum has a wonderful spot just for you. Our aptly-named Rants and Raves subforum of the Beauty Bar has brand new Rants and Raves each and every day. This week, eyebrow threading and Tangle Teezer topped the list, but this subforum is full of lots of other great products to try, plus some to avoid. It’s a lot of fun to read what members have to say, and we always learn a little something. While at the Beauty Bar, we couldn’t resist peeking into the Recent Purchases thread and left that happy place pondering whether a new makeup haul like Miss Chiara’s might possibly be in our future, too.


Dog Picture

In Animalicious, we definitely do laugh out loud in the Pics of Your Pets that Make You LOL thread. Member 336 has a chow named Leo who doesn’t make friends easily at doggie day care, and super adorable Cooper tells his person psulion08 just what is on his mind. Be sure to catch all the latest meme-worthy photos like this one in this fun thread, and here too!


Celine Trio and Belt

We are seriously loving Céline right now, and so of course we stopped by to see this week’s newest photos. Member bagfetishperson definitely caught our attention with this reveal of a new bag and belt that we are sure will look stunning either together or styled separately. Vivid red was also on BagLover21′s mind when she selected this stunning Trapeze, while ThatMaloMilo went a completely different direction with her dreamy blue beauty. Be sure and visit the Céline in Action thread for pictures of our gorgeous members wearing their Céline bags and accessories.

Well, Roundup fans, that’s a wrap, as they say. We hope you have enjoyed this little adventure through the past week of the PurseForum. We wish you and your families a safe and happy week ahead and look forward to seeing you right here in seven short spring days. Happy Shopping!

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Louis Vuitton raises prices in hopes of attracting more high-end customers

Louis Vuitton raises prices in hopes of attracting more high-end customers

As Christina Passariello wrote in a recent Wall Street Journal article, Louis Vuitton, with its flagging growth and logo-covered bags, now finds itself in the throes of the fashion business’ most baffling paradox – how do you sell bags to as many people as possible without becoming a company that’s associated with mass-market consumerism instead of rarified luxury? At least right now, LVMH execs think that the solution to that problem might be to raise prices across the board. Vuitton’s growth has slowed in recent months because luxury-hungry consumers in emerging markets like China are becoming rapidly more sophisticated; in essence, they want subtle leather bags instead of the logo-covered canvas pieces that are Vuitton’s bread and butter, in addition to being the brand’s most visible symbol. So how, exactly, might a price hike help?

As Passariello mentions, much of Vuitton’s recent success has been predicated on entry-level luxury consumers’ lust for the brand’s flashy canvas pieces. That group will be the one affected the most by Vuitton’s price-increase strategy because they’re the most price-sensitive segment of Vuitton’s consumer base; in losing some of what the brand seems to consider riff-raff, execs are hoping to gain new customers at the top end of the market. After all, Hermes increases its prices constantly (or at least it feels that way) and is growing at record rates, perhaps because the type of customer the brand attracts doesn’t care about an extra $500 on top of a $5,000 purchase. If Vuitton can’t buy Hermes, it seems hell-bent on trying to become its twin.

Hermes, of course, doesn’t have much of an entry-level segment of which to speak, which is part of what makes it attractive to the most cash-flush of luxury consumers. Even with the Birkin as in-demand as its ever been, the brand walks the exclusivity-profitability tightrope better than anyone else in the business, and it does so without relying on $190 key pouches to keep the bills paid. Almost no other company can say that, but the second segment of Vuitton’s reported growth strategy – emphasizing its subtler, more expensive leather bags and accessories over its famous canvas – indicates that it’d like to at least attempt to become a similar brand, at least in the eyes of the purchasing public. (Those keychains and card cases, of course, will still be readily available, just at a slightly higher price.)

Vuitton does have some gorgeous, practically logo-free leather options that are often overshadowed by the brand’s more famous, less expensive bags, but is it too late for the brand to shed its image as a logo emporium in favor of something more traditionally luxurious? If you’ve bought LV’s logo bags, does it offend you that the brand no longer wants to court your attention quite as much? Let us know how you feel in the comments.

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As temperatures get hotter, your favorite bags get smaller

As temperatures get hotter, your favorite bags get smaller

In summer, a lot of things get smaller. Clothes shrink to help their wearers deal with the rising temperatures, women cut their hair, men shave their beards. The feeling of lightness is paramount mean the weather itself often feels oppressive. We’ve long talked about the functional advantages of paring down your essentials and picking up a smaller bag when spring and summer come along, and it seems as though designers have been listening – an unprecedented number of brands have turned out miniature versions of your favorite bags for Spring 2013.

Like a lot of current trends, this one can be traced back to Celine, at least in part. Designers have long been converting successful styles into different structures in order to reach a wider variety of potential customers – taking a tote’s details and translating them to a hobo, for example – but Celine’s conversion of the ultra-successful Luggage Tote into a mini crossbody launched a thousand minibags. We can’t complain about the new trend; having the same amount of style in a lighter, more compact package is a summertime win for everyone.


Louis Vuitton Alma BB Bag
$1,550 via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Alma BB Bag

Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique Tote
$990 via Net-a-Porter

Reed Krakoff Atlantique Tote

Balenciaga Mini Lune Bag
$1,345 via Neiman Marcus

Balenciaga Mini Lune Bag

Prada Saffiano Executive Tote
$1,520 via Neiman Marcus

Prada Saffiano Executive Tote

Loeffler Randall Mini Rider Bag
$395 via ShopBop

Loeffler Randall Mini Rider Bag

3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Floral Tote
$625 via Neiman Marcus

3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Floral Tote

Valentino Rockstud Mini Tote
$1,895 via Neiman Marcus

Valentino Rockstud Mini Tote

Alexander Wang Rockie Bag
$795 via Nordstrom

Alexander Wang Rockie Bag

Balenciaga Mini City Bag
$1,295 via Neiman Marcus

Balenciaga Mini City Bag

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Sarah Jessica Parker carries Chanel, Rochas and a boatload of Louis Vuitton luggage

Sarah Jessica Parker carries Chanel, Rochas and a boatload of Louis Vuitton luggage

Photos like this make me think it must be particularly trying to be SJP sometimes. You’ll notice, as you peruse through the pictures that Sarah Jessica Parker has not only weighed herself down with three different designer bags, but she’s so encumbered that her hapless assistant is pushing a giant cart piled high with her entire collection of Louis Vuitton Monogram Luggage through JFK airport, each piece is clearly stuffed to the brim. On her person, she has the all-black crossbody Chanel Boy Bag, an all-white Rochas Leti Tote and a third black-and-white mystery bag. (Anyone care to ID?) Chanel bags are of course available at Chanel boutiques and high-end department stores, and you can shop Rochas at Net-a-Porter.

I don’t know where Sarah Jessica Parker’s headed, but I hope it’s somewhere fabulous, and I sincerely hope she’ll be in residence there for at least three months – she’s certainly packed enough. I’ve made cross-country moves with less stuff. Bon voyage, SJP, and Godspeed!

Sarah Jessica Parker carries bags from Chanel and Rochas, plus Louis Vuitton luggage, at the airport in NYC (1) Sarah Jessica Parker carries bags from Chanel and Rochas, plus Louis Vuitton luggage, at the airport in NYC (2) Sarah Jessica Parker carries bags from Chanel and Rochas, plus Louis Vuitton luggage, at the airport in NYC (3) Sarah Jessica Parker carries bags from Chanel and Rochas, plus Louis Vuitton luggage, at the airport in NYC (4)

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Louis Vuitton taps Karlie Kloss, the Brooklyn Bridge for new Alma Bag campaign

Louis Vuitton taps Karlie Kloss, the Brooklyn Bridge for new Alma Bag campaign

Louis Vuitton is at it again. The brand is known for its striking ad campaigns, featuring everything from romantic train scenes to Muhammad Ali and his trusty Louis Vuitton Keepall, and for the classic Louis Vuitton Alma Bag, Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs has tapped models Karlie Kloss, Daria Strokous, Jac Jagaciak and Iris Strubegger to take the bags for a city stroll. The Chic on the Bridge campaign features, as you might guess, the Alma bags paraded across some of the world’s most famous trestles in New York, Paris and Shanghai.

Americans are likely to recognize the setting for the New York ads – it’s none other than the Brooklyn Bridge, with the Alma bags sporting an NYC-appropriate shade of taxi yellow. The ads set in France and China also feature country-appropriate shades, and the inclusion of China where London or Tokyo might have been included in years past is a clear nod to the importance of the still-expanding Chinese market for luxury goods, particularly leather. The ads, which featured Pre-Fall 2013 looks, were shot by Steven Meisel and will begin appearing in magazines starting this week. Check out the full set of images below, courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

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10 Duffel Bags to Add Some Function to Your Wardrobe

10 Duffel Bags to Add Some Function to Your Wardrobe

Every couple of seasons, bag shape trends shift. Remember when everyone carried hobo bags? That was a real thing that happened. Over the past couple of years, everything from ladylike top-handles to small crossbody bags have become the must-have look, and we talked earlier this week about the enduring popularity of the Celine-style flared tote. What’s next? The duffel.

The easy functionality of the classic duffel makes a lot of sense with the current trends toward streamlined accessories. The new duffel lacks fussy embellishments and is generally without external pockets, and although brands like Louis Vuitton and Alexander Wang have been ahead of the curve, more brands than ever are jumping on the bandwagon for the season to come. Below, check out some of our favorites at a variety of price points.

Gucci Vintage Web Boston Duffel
$1,095 via Net-a-Porter

Gucci Vintage Web Boston Duffel Bag

Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel
$850 via Net-a-Porter

Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel

Saint Laurent Classic Duffel
$2,150 via Neiman Marcus

Saint Laurent Classic Duffel

See by Chloe Harriet Duffel
$575 via ShopBop

See by Chloe Harriet Duffel Bag

Meredith Wendell Large Duffel
$445 via ShopBop

Meredith Wendell Large Duffel

Clare Vivier Escale Bag
$476 via ShopBop

Clare Vivier Escale Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Python Jayden Satchel
$450 via ShopBop

Rebecca Minkoff Python Jayden Satchel

Givenchy Lucrezia Satchel
$2,140 via Barneys

Givenchy Lucrezia Satchel

Ralph Laurent Stirrup Boston Bag
$1,750 via Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren Stirrup Boston Bag

Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola SC Satchel PM
$4,150 via Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola SC Satchel PM

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ZHOEZ


Shoes: Louis Vuitton (c/o)

These LV shoes are the perfect addition to my flat collection, which I promised myself to wear more often. I do love my high heels, I truly do, but some flat action never hurt anybody and my feet thank me! -You can see them on a Look of The Day HERE-

Spring, come over already (?)






ZHOEZ


Shoes: Louis Vuitton (c/o)

These LV shoes are the perfect addition to my flat collection, which I promised myself to wear more often. I do love my high heels, I truly do, but some flat action never hurt anybody and my feet thank me! -You can see them on a Look of The Day HERE-

Spring, come over already (?)






15 Versatile Totes That Aren’t as Simple as They Look

15 Versatile Totes That Aren’t as Simple as They Look

When it comes down to it, we’ve all got a lot to schlep on occasion (or sometimes more like every day). Schlepping, by its very nature, is not a particularly glamourous activity, but there are things that can be done to make it a little less dreary. Lately, we’ve found a bumper crop of simple, functional tote bags in stores, and the best thing about a big selection is being able to get something that not everyone else has.

We understand if you want to go with a lightweight, minimalist Celine Cabas Tote or a classic Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull, but we think that there are some tote options that give you ever bit of functionality as the bags you already know and love with a little bit more individualized style. From prints, to exotics, to embellishments, check out our picks for the everyday schleppers that will look anything but burdensome.

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The Many Bags of Celebrity Basketball Fans

The Many Bags of Celebrity Basketball Fans

For some reason, celebrities seem to love basketball above and beyond other sports. I have a theory on why that might be: Not only is the sport quite popular in both New York and Los Angeles, but the indoor, controlled environment in which the game is played allows celebs to dress up and look good because they know they’ll be photographed. That seems to be especially true of female basketball fans; we’ve noticed that everyone from Cameron Diaz to Kim Kardashian shows up at basketball games dressed to the nines, and more importantly, carrying great bags.

We’ve looked through the courtside seats of some of the country’s biggest NBA teams to find all the amazing handbags that celebs have toted to basketball games, and today, with the start of college basketball’s March Madness and the NBA playoffs on the horizon, seemed like an appropriate time to share our findings. Even if you don’t like the game, it might be worth it to get some Knicks or Lakers tickets just to bag-watch.

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The Chain Gang: Fall 2013′s handbags are all about metal embellishments

The Chain Gang: Fall 2013′s handbags are all about metal embellishments

Now that we’ve had some time to let the Fall 2013 runways marinate, a few key handbag trends have started to pop out. Fur and exotics will make a return once again this year, which is either fantastic or terrible, depending on your personal ethics and/or bank account. A new trend that we noticed, though, was the preponderance of chain embellishments on the season’s bags. While the word “chain” might bring about thoughts of bikers and bondage, the season’s chains, from straps to trim, are much more varied and often more subtle than you’d first guess.

Fall 2013 might seem like it’s a long way off, but it’s never too early to start planning future purchases, especially when you consider how much bags cost these days. Plus, with the weather the way it is in New York (it was a balmy 35 degrees yesterday), these bags feel a lot more appropriate than raffia totes and brightly colored crossbodies at the moment. To wit, we’ve collected the best demonstrations of the trend from the Fall 2013 global runways and assembled them into an easy guide from you below. They range from ladylike at Tory Burch and Oscar de la Renta to tough at Versace and Loewe, and it should come as no surprise that Chanel is a perennial front-runner when it comes to chain-accented handbags.

[All images via Vogue]

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The Chain Gang: Fall 2013′s handbags are all about metal embellishments

The Chain Gang: Fall 2013′s handbags are all about metal embellishments

Now that we’ve had some time to let the Fall 2013 runways marinate, a few key handbag trends have started to pop out. Fur and exotics will make a return once again this year, which is either fantastic or terrible, depending on your personal ethics and/or bank account. A new trend that we noticed, though, was the preponderance of chain embellishments on the season’s bags. While the word “chain” might bring about thoughts of bikers and bondage, the season’s chains, from straps to trim, are much more varied and often more subtle than you’d first guess.

Fall 2013 might seem like it’s a long way off, but it’s never too early to start planning future purchases, especially when you consider how much bags cost these days. Plus, with the weather the way it is in New York (it was a balmy 35 degrees yesterday), these bags feel a lot more appropriate than raffia totes and brightly colored crossbodies at the moment. To wit, we’ve collected the best demonstrations of the trend from the Fall 2013 global runways and assembled them into an easy guide from you below. They range from ladylike at Tory Burch and Oscar de la Renta to tough at Versace and Loewe, and it should come as no surprise that Chanel is a perennial front-runner when it comes to chain-accented handbags.

[All images via Vogue]

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Paris fashionweek day 6

1W1A1915

Photos by Andrew Arthur

A bit late here I am posting the photos of my last day in Paris, all dedicated to the Louis Vuitton world and to the wonderful collection inspired by the 20s created by Marc Jacobs, dominated by transparencies and lingerie in a grand hotel atmosphere (you can see the streaming online on The Blonde Salad as well).
I was wearing a Louis Vuitton total look in which the bubblegum fur coat was the real focus (and what about the mirrored sunglasses? :D ).
Today we’re leaving again: who can guess which one will be our next stop?

Con un po’ di ritardo eccomi a postare le foto del mio ultimo giorno a Parigi, tutto dedicato al mondo Louis Vuitton ed alla splendida collezione d’ispirazione anni ’20 creata da Marc Jacobs, dominata da trasparenze e capi che diventano lingerie sullo sfondo di un grand hotel (che potete vedere online anche su The Blonde Salad qui).
Per l’occasione indossavo un total look Louis Vuitton, in cui il pellicciotto bicolore era il protagonista indiscusso (ma vogliamo parlare anche degli strepitosi occhiali? :D ).
Oggi si riparte: chi indovina la mia prossima meta?

1W1A1828
1W1A1831-1-copy
1W1A1982
1W1A1960
1W1A2027-1-copy
1W1A2093-1
1W1A1992
1W1A1850
1W1A1995
1W1A2086
1W1A2075
1W1A1834
LV011
LV012
LV014
LV018
LV031
LV050

I was wearing:

LOUIS VUITTON TOTAL LOOK

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The Many Bags of Vanessa Hudgens

The Many Bags of Vanessa Hudgens

If you like weird pop culture things, you’re probably eagerly anticipating the release of Spring Breakers, a film directed by Harmony Korine that stars people as varied as Disney princess Selena Gomez and Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane (in his cinematic debut, no less). I happen to love weird pop culture things, so to celebrate the film, we’re going to take a look at the handbag collection of Vanessa Hudgens, who plays one of Gomez’s debauched friends in film. If you like fringe, you’re in the right place.

Vanessa’s personal style is pretty much All Coachella, All The Time; when left to her own devices, she generally looks like she’d rather be sitting in the California desert and listening to some live music than doing whatever it is she’s actually doing at the time. I can’t say I identify with it personally, but if you’ve got a bit of hippie chick in you, this one’s going to be right up your alley.

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LAYERING


Shoes: Louis Vuitton (c/o) |  Shirt: Lee  |  Jumper: Uniqlo  |  Blazer: ZARA  |  Pants: DL1961

Layering, one of my favorite things to do during the Fall and Winter, should I say Spring too? -which is fast approaching yet, no signs of the weather getting any better. Still, I am not loosing any hope, on the contrary, next week seems REALLY promising, plus the Spring gets to officially start, so yeah, next week please come quickly!.






The Louis Vuitton Monceau BB: An updated version of a lovely LV classic

The Louis Vuitton Monceau BB: An updated version of a lovely LV classic

The best things about Louis Vuitton, in my view, are the sheer volume of handbag designs the company produces every season and the enormous leather goods history on which Vuitton has to draw. For the Louis Vuitton Monceau BB, new for Spring 2013, both of those uniquely Vuitton elements come in to play; the result is a beautiful, modern take on an old favorite. The bag bears no resemblance to the heavily Damier-covered runway bags for the collection, which will likely be a welcome development for many Vuitton customers.

The Monceau BB is a miniaturized version of a design that first came out in 1986. The new bag is eight inches wide, which makes it just big enough to hold warm-weather essentials, and although the original was made from monogram canvas, this version comes in both durable Epi leather and gleaming, monogram-less vernis. The limited branding on both versions jibes well with reports that Louis Vuitton is looking to emphasize leathers instead of monogram and damier canvases in order to keep up with the increasing sophistications of customers, particularly in emerging Asian markets.

The bag itself will likely look familiar, even to those who aren’t familiar with the original bag from the 80s. Lots of designs (most recently the Loeffler Randall Rider), have used the shape as inspiration for new designs during the school-satchel trend, first spurred by the Proenza Schouler PS1 several years ago. In light of all that, it only makes sense that Louis Vuitton would choose now to bring the bag back; in this miniaturized form, it’s particularly perfect for the warm weather ahead.

The Epi leather version is $1,550, while the vernis bag is $1,720, both via Louis Vuitton. For all the colors in which the bag’s available, check out the gallery below.

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The 15 Best Bags of Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013

The 15 Best Bags of Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013

Leave it to the French to cap off the Fall 2013 show season with a fashion week full of subtle, elegant, incredibly luxurious bags. Along with the clothes that graced the majority of the runways at Paris Fashion Week, the bags were largely casual and wearable; where a thousand rhinestone-encrusted clutches once stood, we instead found functional everyday bags in shades of ivory, burgundy and black. Lest we forget about the luxury of it all, many of those bags were rendered in lush exotics.

This is what our continental friends do best, of course; these bags all look easy, and they will be easy to carry, but they’re all designed just so. Luxury doesn’t have to be inconvenient or trend-based, it can be just that: luxury. For the best bags that embody that ideal from Paris Fashion Week, check out our roundup below.

[Images via Vogue]

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Check out what all the celebs were carrying to Paris Fashion Week

Check out what all the celebs were carrying to Paris Fashion Week

Last week, we spotlighted what celebrities and fashion people were carrying to attend the Chanel Fall 2013 show (shocker: lots of Chanel), but its far from the only show that attracts stars and their handbags at Paris Fashion Week. From Stella McCartney to Louis Vuitton, American, European and Asian celebs carried a ton of envy-inducing bags all over Paris in the past week. Thankfully, a horde of photographers was there to document the entire thing.

Predictably, most of the stars wore bags made by (and given to them by) whatever brand they were lined up to see. At Paris Fashion Week, though, that’s still sight the behold; I don’t really care how someone came to have a Valentino, Dior or Louis Vuitton bag, I just enjoy looking at them. And look at them we shall, below.

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Fill up your bags with these excellent small accessories

Fill up your bags with these excellent small accessories

Recently, we’ve talked about both the best ways to carry a clear bag and how to organize your belongings in a big bag, so it only seemed appropriate that we get down to the nitty-gritty of both of these subjects eventually. PurseBloggers, today is that day – we’ve scoured the Internet for the coolest small accessories, from sunglasses to iPad cases, and we’ve assembled them for easy judgment.

When we chose these pieces, we kept in mind that not only will they be seen when you remove them from your bag, but if you hop on the clear bag bandwagon, they might also be seen just any ol’ time. That means that no plain leather is allowed, but prints, appliques and visages of Karl Lagerfeld are all encouraged. Check out our selection below.

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Louis Vuitton updates the Speedy Bag in fur and python for Fall 2013

Louis Vuitton updates the Speedy Bag in fur and python for Fall 2013

There are few sure things in life (other than death and taxes, as the old trope goes), but a bevy of beautiful handbags at a Louis Vuitton show is absolutely on that short list. The company makes no bones about the importance of leather goods to its business, and creative director Marc Jacobs always makes sure to put the best of the best on display for editors, buyers and LV fans alike. For Louis Vuitton Fall 2013, that means a couple of Vuitton’s most classic shapes (think Speedy and Pochette Accessoires), done up in materials like fur, python, crocodile and feathers.

Like Jacobs’ own show, the color palette was rich but muted, and a couple of the materials (particularly the snakeskins) seemed like perhaps they appeared on handbags in both lines. When it came to the bags, though, Vuitton kept things classic; the biggest leaps of the collection were fur-covered Speedy bags that looked like muffs, and although fur bags are difficult to pull off, the inherently amorphous shape of the Speedy freed up Jacobs to experiment with longer fur than a more structured bag would require. If you’re looking for something more traditional, a python Speedy or soft crocodile fold-over quasi-Lockit are better bets. For me, though, the most interesting bags of the collection were the feather-covered Pochettes Accessoires, which looked almost like they had been adorned with short locks of colorful hair.

[Images via Style.com and TheCut]

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The Many Bags of Nicky Hilton

The Many Bags of Nicky Hilton

Brace yourself, kids: Nicky Hilton’s bag collection is about to make your head explode. You should probably ask friends and loved ones to move out of your immediate vicinity, lest they get any on them. If you don’t heed that warning, well, it’s not my fault. None of this is my fault. It’s all Ms. Hilton’s. I’m just a middle man. And I know what you’re thinking: Nicky Hilton? YES, THAT WAS MY REACTION TOO. I share in your incredulity.

Now that you’re all properly prepared like front-row attendees at a Gallagher show in the 70s, we can begin. Nicky Hilton has (and has been photographed with) basically every bag that’s been popular since I first became aware of designer handbags circa 2002. Every It Bag from the Chloe Paddington to the Celine Luggage Tote is represented here, plus a lot of other beautiful bags along the way. If you don’t believe me, I’ve got all the evidence you could ever need below.

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Love it or Leave it: Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube

Love it or Leave it: Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube

Everyone knows the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy, and everyone also knows that Louis Vuitton updates this coveted classic with each season. For Louis Vuitton Spring 2013, Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs decided to add a geometric note with lots and lots of squares. Checks make a huge appearance, but my attention went to this updated version of the LV classic, which has been dubbed the Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube.

An updated treatment on the Damier pattern, the Damier Facette is made with brushed shiny calf leather and a structured English frame. There is something fun and different about these bags, a bit more playful. The structured frame helps combat one of the biggest complaints about the LV Speedy, its lack of shape, and gives a specific dimensionality to the bag. Available in both MM and PM in a variety of colors, the price varies from $1,990-$2,280. Our question is, what do you think, love it or leave it?

Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube Cream Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube Yellow

The post Love it or Leave it: Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube appeared first on PurseBlog.

Love it or Leave it: Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube

Love it or Leave it: Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube

Everyone knows the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy, and everyone also knows that Louis Vuitton updates this coveted classic with each season. For Louis Vuitton Spring 2013, Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs decided to add a geometric note with lots and lots of squares. Checks make a huge appearance, but my attention went to this updated version of the LV classic, which has been dubbed the Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube.

An updated treatment on the Damier pattern, the Damier Facette is made with brushed shiny calf leather and a structured English frame. There is something fun and different about these bags, a bit more playful. The structured frame helps combat one of the biggest complaints about the LV Speedy, its lack of shape, and gives a specific dimensionality to the bag. Available in both MM and PM in a variety of colors, the price varies from $1,990-$2,280. Our question is, what do you think, love it or leave it?

Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube Cream Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube Yellow

The post Love it or Leave it: Louis Vuitton Speedy Cube appeared first on PurseBlog.

Louis Vuitton fashion show – live streaming

Save the date! Today, at 10am (italian time), you will be able to watch the Louis Vuitton’s fashion show here in live streaming. Enjoy it sweeties ;)

Save the date! Oggi, alle 10.00 ora italiana, potrete vedere lo show di Louis Vuitton qui in live streaming. Enjoy it sweeties ;)

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The Many Bags of Kerry Washington

The Many Bags of Kerry Washington

If you’ve been anywhere near your Twitter account on a recent Thursday evening, you might have noticed that basically everyone on Earth watches (and loves) Scandal. I’m hesitant to admit that I’ve never seen the show, but it’s the next thing up on my catch-up list after I get done re-watching The West Wing on Netflix, which is actually a fairly appropriate progression. In Scandal, Kerry Washington plays legendary Washington D.C. PR pro Olivia Pope, who’s charged with fixing all manner of political disaster before they ever become public.

Kerry also starred in Quentin Tarantino blockbuster Django Unchained, and between those two roles, she’s been making the red carpet rounds something fierce over the past year. Luckily for us, she’s not one of those stars who makes her handlers carry her bag while she poses for photos, not is she the type to carry the same plain, metallic clutch to every event. We’ve got a ton of Kerry’s best red carpet handbag moments, plus a few more casual looks, waiting for you below.

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PurseForum Roundup – February 22

PurseForum Roundup – February 22

Happy Friday! It feels like we travelled all over the place for this week’s PurseForum Roundup, probably because, as most of you know, the PurseForum has evolved over the years to include much more than handbags! First we’ll stop by Chanel to visit a truly colorful reveal thread, then off to the check out some new makeup in the Beauty Bar. After spending some time clubbing in Louis Vuitton, we’ll celebrated a milestone with Alexanter McQueen fans and than collapse exhausted in front of the television with some snacks from our PurseForum Kitchen. It all begins below!


Chanel picture

We found some terrific reveal threads in Chanel to share with you this week. PurseForum member and Chanel aficionado win28 graciously shared her growing collection of classic Chanel styles in lots eye-popping, magnificent colors. Be sure to stop by Sonicbabe’s gorgeous seaside reveal to take in the ocean views and her stylish new Boy tote, too! Of course, the February purchases thread, a must-visit for any Chanel lover, is a highly recommended stop this week as well!


MAC picture

Are you a MAC fan? We never fail to find great new products in the MAC purchase thread in the Make-Up subforum. This thread has been busy this week, as members stock up on the newest items from the Archie’s Girl line, like this great haul from Lady Stardust. Speaking of the Beauty Bar, have you visited the Rants and Raves subforum? This wonderful resource has reviews on a huge variety of products, and we got some great advice there this week. If Nail Care is more your interest, be sure to visit Rants and Raves section there, too!


Louis Vuitton picture

The weather has been far from spring-like for many of us this week, but the Louis Vuitton Clubhouse certainly felt warm and sunny when we spotted this cute reveal from Epi club member dlynn. The LV Clubhouse has something for everyone, as members gather in threads devoted to their favorite styles from this powerhouse brand. If it’s still chilly where you are, perhaps a visit to the Scarf, Bandana and Shawl club will warm you up. We love this great shot of Cilifene’s trio of shawls, one of which she beautifully styled with a gorgeous Balenciaga moto jacket. The clubhouse has something for every Louis Vuitton fan, so be sure to stop by and find your favorites!


Alexander McQueen picture

Speaking of scarves, did you know the Alexander McQueen skull scarf celebrates its tenth anniversary this year? Where did the time go? PurseForum member jamamcg brought this to our attention this week, which prompted a long look at the thread in Wardrobe Accessories featuring the myriad Alexander McQueen scarf offerings. We celebrate along with AM fans in this thread, spotlighting this must-have classic accessory. Gunsandbanjos’ colorful collection is absolutely splendid, and just this week, PrincessD shared two classic color combinations that are sure to get your attention. We think there’s always room for one more McQueen scarf in our wardrobe – wouldn’t you agree?


Muffins picture

Last but not least, we made a quick dash through the Playground to see what our members are talking about besides fashion. In Television and Cinema, the Downton Abbey thread has been a chart topper for several weeks, and of course all of the Real Housewives threads are hopping each and every week. As usual, the Netflix thread gave us some great viewing ideas for a rainy Sunday afternoon. To finish up, what goes better with a good television show than a great snack? Check out these decadent chocolate chip muffins from lazeny we found in the PurseForum Kitchen. Guilty pleasures are so much fun!

The post PurseForum Roundup – February 22 appeared first on PurseBlog.

In fashion, Hermes is still your safest investment

In fashion, Hermes is still your safest investment

A long time ago, I ranted a bit about why terming the purchase of a bag as an “investment” was probably a bit silly, not to mention inaccurate, and the kind of marketing terminology that encourages consumers to overspend on goods that depreciate even more rapidly than cars. It still is – at best, buying fashion is an investment in your own enjoyment, and the dividends it pays won’t be of the monetary variety. Hermes, it turns out, bucks that trend on two levels.

Last week, Hermes released its 2012 profit information and informed us all that it had been another banner year for the French powerhouse. Revenues were up 18.5%, making it Hermes’ most lucrative year ever, with jewelry the most quickly expanding sector, up 45%, according to Vogue UK. Bags, though, enjoyed an impressive 22% jump in growth, on top of a year of business that was already sprinting to keep up with seemingly endless demand for everything from canvas Garden Party totes to alligator Birkins. When compared to relatively flat leather goods growth across competitors like Louis Vuitton, the number is even more remarkable.

That means two things. First, if you can get your money around some Hermes stock, you probably won’t be sorry you did. (It might be a little more difficult than merely placing a call to your broker, though – Louis Vuitton has its guy on speed dial when it comes to Hermes.) Second, it means that the actual bags are more valuable than ever because demand still outpaces supply, despite some modest supply-side expansion from Hermes; if you have a specific bag in mind and aren’t an established VIP, you’ll likely have to wait. When you combine that with annual price increases that continue to raise the value of existing Hermes bags, you end up with a situation where well-kept used bags, especially Birkins, regularly sell for more from a third party than they do from an Hermes boutique. If you’re the kind of person who has $10,000 to spend on a brand new bag but are told you’ll need to wait, perhaps months, then maybe you’re also the kind of person who has an extra couple thousand dollars to skip the line and buy a new-looking bag from a third party.

The online sale marketplace seems to bear out that theory. Luxury sites like Moda Operandi and Rue La La routinely host sales where auction houses offer an assortment of pre-owned Hermes bags, the most desirable of which are marked above retail. Invariably, the bags fly off the virtual shelf, most within hours of launch. If you have the money and have been considering the purchase of a Birkin, it boils down to there being almost literally no risk involved – if you later decide it doesn’t suit you and you have the savvy to resell, you’ll likely recoup your costs. My advice, though, would be to buy some stock instead. You can flip it to Louis Vuitton later when they invariably call you.

[Image via Moda Operandi]

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World’s scariest trainer Jillian Michaels makes lifting Louis Vuitton look easy

World’s scariest trainer Jillian Michaels makes lifting Louis Vuitton look easy

We know Jillian Michaels isn’t a stranger to weightlifting, so it’s no surprise that she’s handling her giant Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram Keepall like it’s a clutch. The Mon Monogram is a customized version of the aptly named Louis Vuitton Keepall – each bag is personalized with your initials and up to two colored stripes of your choosing. Jillian opted for orange with fuchsia lining. You can create your own Mon Monogram Keepall on the Louis Vuitton website. Any variation of colors and stripes seems to add up to $2,030 before tax. (I know this because I’ve been customizing the Keepall o’ my dreams for about a half hour now. I’m extremely fond of dual center stripes in Bleu de France and Bleu Clair.)

What combination would you pick for your dream Keepall?

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The Many Bags of Beyonce

The Many Bags of Beyonce

With her documentary Beyonce: Life is But a Dream debuting on HBO this Saturday and her barnstorming Super Bowl halftime performance still fresh in the minds of almost everyone, today seemed like a fitting occasion to pay bag tribute to the one and only Beyonce. With the entourage that rolls with her and Jay-Z, though, I’m surprised that Queen Bey still deigns to carry her own bag from time to time. Surprised, but glad.

I’m also surprised by the sheer diversity of the bags that Beyonce carries. She doesn’t repeat designers nearly as often as almost everyone else we’ve profiled in one of these features, and her choices vary by price point as much as they tend to vary by brand. In Beyonce’s bag closet, there’s probably a little something to make everyone happy. I’d expect nothing less.

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The Many Bags of Kate Moss

The Many Bags of Kate Moss

Today’s the first official day of New York Fashion Week, and while Megs and I are out and about doing the whole NYFW thing, we though it only appropriate that we give you an opportunity to spend some time looking through the considerable handbag hoard of a real, capital-F fashion icon, not just some celeb. The only choice, of course, was Kate Moss. Before the “model off duty” look was a thing, Kate was dressing in skinny pants, animal prints and lots of great handbags.

As you might expect, Kate’s collection skews largely neutral, and within that, largely black. In that way, she’s a girl after my own heart, and likely after many of yours. She’s designed several lines of bags for Longchamp, of course, but her whole personal collection was a joy to sift through, all the way from one of the first Balenciaga Motorcycle Bags ever made to the latest from Saint Laurent. Check out the full show below and wish us luck at Fashion Week!

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This week was all about…

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Some of the big and small higlights of this week…

Qualche piccolo e grande highlight della settimana…

Valentino rock-stud flats

Ballerine rock-stud di Valentino

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Tak Ori pink maxi beanie

Maxi cuffia rosa di Tak Ori

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_MG_0262-copia

Elizabeth and James new collection, in which I adore the stones so much

La nuova collezione di Elizabeth and James, in cui adoro l’uso delle pietre

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Another Tak Ori maxi beanie: in light blue

Un’altra cuffia di Tak Ori azzurra

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Louis Vuitton new nude platforms, ready for New York fashionweek

Nuove decollete nude di Louis Vuitton, pronte per la fashionweek di New York

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So… Which is your favourite item?

Quindi… Qual è l’accessorio che vi piace di più?

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Shop rare and pre-owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La!

Shop rare and pre-owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La!

Louis Vuitton is inarguably the biggest designer handbag brand in the world, but putting your hands on exactly the Vuitton bag you want can be maddeningly difficult, especially if that bag was a limited edition or came from a previous season. Louis Vuitton keeps such a tight control on its retail inventory that sometimes, all seems lost. But it’s not, especially when we have things like the Handbags by Louis Vuitton: Picks by Bella Bag sale at Rue La La to pull us through.

Rue La La has teamed up with Bella Bag, which has in turn scoured the market for the best pre-owned, vintage and limited edition Louis Vuitton pieces out there. With everything from foundation pieces like a monogram canvas Neverfull to rare finds from limited edition collections, there’s a little something for every customer (and every price point) in the sale, which runs through Tuesday, February 5. Check out our picks from the sale below or head straight to Rue La La to shop the huge Vuitton selection!

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Alma
Available via Rue La La

The Alma is a classic Vuitton shape, and this sunny yellow version will get you in the right mood for spring. It’ll be here before you think.

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Alma

Louis Vuitton Lockit
Available via Rue La La

The Lockit is an exceptionally elegant shape, and this metallic silver version infuses it with just the right amount of fun.

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Lockit Bag

Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull GM
Available via Rue La La

The Neverfull is one of LV’s most functional shapes – it can go from the grocery store to the beach and everywhere in between, especially in durable monogram canvas.

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull GM

Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Tambourine Crossbody
Available via Rue La La

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Monogram Tambourine Bag

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sorbonne
Available via Rue La La

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sorbonne

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene West-End
Available via Rue La La

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Damier West End

Louis Vuitton Monogram Watercolor Papillon
Available via Rue La La

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Watercolor Papillon

Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy
Available via Rue La La

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse Graffiti Speedy

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Pont Neuf
Available via Rue La La

Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Pont Neuf Handbag Shop rare and pre owned Louis Vuitton with Bella Bag and Rue La La! 34 15

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The Many Bags of Bethenny Frankel

The Many Bags of Bethenny Frankel

I’ve always been a big fan of Bethenny Frankel, the sometimes-controversial former star of Real Housewives of New York who parlayed her reality TV fame into a booze-for-girls brand that she sold for a reported $120 million last year. She’s funny, direct and willing to cop to most of her flaws – that’s about all I ask from someone on a reality show, personally. When I got a look at her insane bag collection, it only made me like her more.

If you’ve ever asked yourself how you’d splurge if you suddenly became rich and wildly successful, you’re going to want to take a look at Bethenny’s bags, because she got to answer that question in real life. In early paparazzi photos of her, she’s carrying average stuff, most of which I didn’t recognize. Once her brand started to take off, though, Bethenny bought an Hermes or Chanel classic in seemingly every color, for every occasion. If you’re a traditionalist, you’ll probably faint over Frankel’s bag collection.

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Currently coveting the Louis Vuitton Flat Zip Pochette

Currently coveting the Louis Vuitton Flat Zip Pochette

There are few brands from which I will happily buy monogrammed pieces, and Louis Vuitton is one of them. It’s not that I actively seek LV out, but somehow, it seems to seek me out – Louis Vuitton just does that to me. The brand has reinvented its monogram in so many ways that it never feels old to me, which is a pretty neat trick on the part of the brand’s designers. In particular, I love the way LV tones down its classic monogram, and that’s is precisely why I am currently coveting the Louis Vuitton Flat Zip Pochette.

I’m one of those people who likes to put bags inside of my bags, with different pouches and pochettes for different purposes. For travel, a flat pochette like this one is ideal to help save space when packing, but it still affords you lots of organizational options. That’s why I’ve got my eye set on this bag, with its sleek, black silk jacquard monogram and feminine feel. The design is simple, but it allows this bag to have an elegant and practical feel. I’ve always had a place for Louis Vuitton in my heart, and I can easily make a place for this bag in my collection. Buy via Louis Vuitton for $1,100.

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