Custom Design

Most of the shock value of Coach releasing a bag with a four-figure price tag wore off years ago, but the disparity between the prices of the Coach Madison Calf Hair Brynne Satchel and the Coach Madison Ocelot Sabrina Satchel truly caught be off guard.

The Brynne, left, is made of printed calf hair with leather trim and is 14 inches wide. The Sabrina, on the right, is nylon with leather trim and measures 12 inches across. If you had shown me the bags and asked me to guess, I would have pegged the Brynne at about $700 – one of Coach’s pricier offerings, but not out of the brand’s normal range these days. The Sabrina would have been much lower, probably about $300. On one count, I would have been remarkably close (not much of an accomplishment, considering that this is my job); on the other, not so much.

The nylon Sabrina, as I had guessed, is priced at $298. On the other hand, the slightly larger Brynne, rendered in calf hair, rings up at a whopping $1400. Surely there’s a large difference between the wholesale prices for calf hair and nylon, and likely increased difficulties in processing, dying and sewing calf hair, but an $1100 difference for a brand whose bags normally cost far less than a thousand dollars is a bit quizzical.

Coach has many, many loyal fans who love the brand’s bags (not to mention the many other products it now offers), and I can’t help but think that those enthusiastic Coach customers have to be the primary audience for such an expensive bag. For $1400, I’m running straight to Balenciaga. Then again, that’s my favorite brand, so I can understand the why Coach fans feel the way they do about their label. For that amount of money, though, I’d suggest they buy the Sabrina (which would even be useful in the rain!) and save the other $1100 for two or more other future Coach purchases.

$1400 via Nordstrom.

$298 via Nordstrom.

Original post by Amanda Mull

While the staff at Loewe has been working tirelessly to perfect its grocery bag handbags, designers at Valentino have been plying their trade at the opposite end of the spectrum. The Valentino aesthetic has always been feminine, detailed and utterly glamourous, and the brand has chosen to take those ideas to their absurd extreme with the Valentino Glam Zebra Tote. You have to give them points for just calling this bag what it is, even if the name gives me the mental image of a zebra dressed up as a drag queen (which is not an altogether unpleasant image, admittedly).

This bag is what the Fug Girls would refer to as a “scrolldown fug.” I’m loving how silly and shiny this bag is until we get all the way down to the bottom quarter, at which point things go seriously awry and the bag seems to grown some very shiny porcupine quills. One the one hand: they’re shiny! They fit the motif, whatever it might be! On the other: WTF.

I’m not sure why Valentino thought that silver-and-black sequined leopard print would become monotonous before everyone’s eyes got to the bottom of the bag and it needed something to break it up, but for better or worse, that was the decision that was made. If the bag had been entirely covered in sequined zebra, I would be totally on board for this shining example of in-your-face fashion fun. As it is, I’m only three-quarters of the way there. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $3495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Much has been made over fall’s leopard trend (in fact, much has been made by us), but it’s been difficult to crown a clear winner when trying to decide on the best leopard bag of the season. When we did a decidedly non-comprehensive roundup of some of the season’s spotted bags two months ago, many people liked the YSL option that cost a very unfortunate $3500.

I’ve found a bag that I like even more than that one, and for nearly a thousand dollars less. The only problem is that I’ve only “found” it in a philosophical sense – the Mulberry Neely Tote is sold out everywhere that I can think to look, including Mulberry’s website. It appears as though the brand has successfuly capitalized on the Alexa’s popularity and created yet another it-bag.

The beauty of this bag is in the simplicity of the shape combined with the vibrant, tactile pattern. A bag with intricate structure only interrupts a good print, and setting the two up to compete against each other is usually a recipe for disappointment. You probably have to be a leopard lover like me to understand how deep and true my feelings for this bag really are, but if I could find one, I’d snap it up right now. I can’t even explain how perfect it would be with all my winter greys and blacks. The bag retails for $2650 when available, and you can get more details via Mulberry.

Original post by Amanda Mull

It’s not often that a bag review requires me to gather my personal technology and a ruler, but the Christian Louboutin Eden Pompom Clutch is clearly a special little bag. Whether you take that to mean special! or “special” is, of course, up to you.

But when my very scientific measuring was done, I found a problem. At its very widest point, this clutch is barely five inches wide. Since it’s a sphere, the width of the clutch starts decreasing immediately as you move away from that narrow point. My phone, a relatively new Blackberry, is four and a half inches tall and almost three inches wide without a case. That’s a problem – smart phones are now more or less de rigueur among people with expendable income, and you certainly have to expend a lot of it to buy this clutch. Sadly, it seems as though never the two shall meet.

From an aesthetic standpoint, I don’t actually have many problems with this clutch. Sure, it’s kind of odd, but I’d rather carry something unexpected like a round clutch than the same basic envelope that every single one of your girlfriends probably pulls out every weekend (or maybe that’s just my girlfriends).

Any aesthetic interest I have in a clutch ends with the inability to pack my phone along for the night, however. I’m a 24-year-old single woman living in a large, at times unsafe city, and a cell phone isn’t a luxury item for me – it’s a necessity. I’ve had one since I could drive, and I’m not going to start leaving it at home in order to carry a (more-than-slightly silly) designer clutch. If you’re on a date and can slip your phone into your boyfriend’s or husband’s pocket, it might work, but I couldn’t see myself spending so much money on a clutch with such severely limited functionality. Buy through Saks for $1195.

Original post by Amanda Mull

It’s not often that a bag review requires me to gather my personal technology and a ruler, but the Christian Louboutin Eden Pompom Clutch is clearly a special little bag. Whether you take that to mean special! or “special” is, of course, up to you.

But when my very scientific measuring was done, I found a problem. At its very widest point, this clutch is barely five inches wide. Since it’s a sphere, the width of the clutch starts decreasing immediately as you move away from that narrow point. My phone, a relatively new Blackberry, is four and a half inches tall and almost three inches wide without a case. That’s a problem – smart phones are now more or less de rigueur among people with expendable income, and you certainly have to expend a lot of it to buy this clutch. Sadly, it seems as though never the two shall meet.

From an aesthetic standpoint, I don’t actually have many problems with this clutch. Sure, it’s kind of odd, but I’d rather carry something unexpected like a round clutch than the same basic envelope that every single one of your girlfriends probably pulls out every weekend (or maybe that’s just my girlfriends).

Any aesthetic interest I have in a clutch ends with the inability to pack my phone along for the night, however. I’m a 24-year-old single woman living in a large, at times unsafe city, and a cell phone isn’t a luxury item for me – it’s a necessity. I’ve had one since I could drive, and I’m not going to start leaving it at home in order to carry a (more-than-slightly silly) designer clutch. If you’re on a date and can slip your phone into your boyfriend’s or husband’s pocket, it might work, but I couldn’t see myself spending so much money on a clutch with such severely limited functionality. Buy through Saks for $1195.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I’ve never had much of a problem forming an opinion, but for some reason I have yet to make up my mind about the Valentino Aphrodite Satchel. Is it great, or is it ever-so-slightly off? Do all of the elements work together, or does it look like two disparate bags joined into one?

After the jump, I’ve listed the design’s pros and cons and also provided a convenient poll for your voting pleasure.

Pros:

1. Color and pattern: Lovely! The origin of the print is somewhat indeterminate (although it’s clearly some sort of cat), but the cream and black combination makes the overall effect a bit more ladylike than leopard. For the shape and design of this bag, it was the perfect choice.
2. Scale: The size of the pattern relative to the size of the bag is bold and graphic, just as modern animal print should be.
3. Shape: “Lady scale” bags are the new ish, apparently, and this bag fits fall’s 60s trends perfectly.
4. The Bow: It adds an unexpected twist to the bag and makes the design distinctively Valentino.

Cons:

1. The Bow: Is it a pro or a con? I can’t decide. This entire poll is really just a referendum on the bow. The color doesn’t appear elsewhere in the design, which is what gives me pause. Does the bow throw you off as well, or does the contrast add something?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

Buy through Nordstrom for $2795.

Original post by Amanda Mull

If you haven’t realized that leopard print is a huge and soon-to-be omnipresent trend for fall, you haven’t been paying very close attention. In fact, we discussed the impending importance of leopard bags just last month.

As with all things, though, bedazzler to the stars Judith Leiber is here to take the trend to its absurdly literal extreme. If you’re attending a very glamourous event this fall and want to be on-trend, these clutches are one of the best (and sparkliest) ways to do it. My favorite is the tiger – which would you choose? Pricing information and larger images, after the jump.

Judith Leiber Leopard Clutch, $5495 via Net-a-Porter.

Judith Leiber Zebra Clutch, $4995 via Net-a-Porter.

Judith Leiber Tiger Clutch, $5495 via Net-a-Porter.

Original post by Amanda Mull

A evening bag is hard to find, and it’s even harder to find at a reasonable price. Most people won’t use a tiny clutch multiple times a day like they might use a shoulder bag or tote, so spending big bucks for a glittery little minaudiere usually isn’t a particularly palatable option. Bottega Veneta’s knot clutches and Alexander McQueen’s skull clutches may be totally covetable (not to mention collectable), but the prices for both start in the four figures and climb steadily from there.

If the thought of spending that much makes you uncomfortable but you’d still like a similar bag (or maybe several), then Diane Von Furstenberg’s recently launched line of box clutches is perfect for you. Prices vary depending on size, but this oh-so-current version of the Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Minaudiere rings up at a very reasonable $300.

I like so many things about this clutch that I barely know where to begin. The color scheme works perfectly with the pattern – zebra is a strong statement for any bag, but rendering it in black and charcoal dials down the volume just enough to make it modern and sophisticated. The signature twig closure provides a perfect compliment. Not only do the colors and tones work together seamlessly, but the choice in material compliments them very well. Stingray embossing has an almost glittery effect, without the shedding hassle and extreme shine of actual glitter. This larger size is big enough for all of your nighttime essentials, and the price is an absolute steal. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $300.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Leopard print has obviously been around forever and the trend has been building for some time, but as far as handbags go, the look is about to reach critical mass. Since some people are apprehensive of the pattern and unsure of how it could fit into their wardrobes, we’ve taken the liberty of styling the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag for both night and day to demonstrate leopard’s versatility.

This bag is particularly appropriate because of its petite size and mix of hardware – it can be paired with silver or gold and used night or day. Leopard provides an interesting opportunity to create visual interest through mixing textures because multiple attention-grabbing colors would compete with the pattern, and I particularly love how it looks with dark pinks and metallic touches. Details for each piece are after the jump.

The Bag

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag: You can’t really have a conversation about modern leopard print without talking about Dolce & Gabbana, can you? As with most of fall’s leopard looks, this bag is made of printed haircalf, which I love to combine with other interesting textures in neutral colors, plus a pop of brightness – the pop should be bigger for nighttime looks. Buy through Nordstrom for $1550.

Casual

Burberry Prorsum Military Belted Cardigan: Cardigans can be a little boring, but this one proves itself special through lots of attention to detail – the buttoned loops at the shoulder and utilitarian pockets and belt are wonderful touches. The charcoal grey color can be worn with nearly anything during the colder months, and it tones down some of the sparkle when combined with sequins for daytime. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $795.

Diane Von Furstenberg Paragan Sequin T-Shirt: Daytime sequins are set to be big again for fall, and combining their shine with the simple, casual familiarity of a basic white tee makes them easy to incorporate in pre-cocktail hour outfits. This shirt matches the glamour level of leopard print while still remaining appropriate for casual environments. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $157.

Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Skinny Jeans: You can substitute your own favorite skinnies here, but if you’re still looking for a wear-all-the-time pair of your own, try these. The ultra dark wash hides figure flaws while ensuring that the look stays clean and tailored. Buy through ShopBop for $159.

Michael Kors Ceramic Chronograph Watch: Yeah, I admit it – I’m still not over white watches. When you have a daytime outfit that uses sequins, jewelry is best kept at a minimum, and the graphic white of this watch will stand out nicely again fall’s long, dark sleeves. Plus, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than a Chanel J12 if you want to hop on the bandwagon a little late. Buy through Saks for $450.

Yves Saint Laurent Suede Tribute Sandals: With lots of textures going on in this outfit, these sandals are all of the bright color that you need. Plus, high heels make your legs look a mile long when combined with skinny jeans. And just look at ‘em, they’re gorgeous. These shoes are the easy part. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.

Dressy

Acne Lou Lou Satin Dress: I am in deep, inconvenient, all-encompassing love with this dress. This particular variety of magenta makes nearly everyone’s skin look radiant, and the bold bow belt is a brilliant, simple addition. The volume of the sleeves is like the cherry on top – wear this all fall and winter with black tights and statement shoes. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $300.

Miu Miu Glitter Platforms: Of course, if I had my way, the statement shoes that you’d choose would be these shiny, fantastic sandals. Just because they’re open-toe doesn’t mean they can’t be worn with tights, and a black background will make the gunmetal glitter all the more special. Since there’s no room in this outfit for additional bright colors or patterns, the shine makes sure that these shoes are still interesting. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $416.

Proenza Schouler Cable Cuff: This bracelet could go with nearly anything, but the modern, almost industrial lines make sure that the outfit doesn’t get too twee. You could pair it with either outfit, if you’d prefer not to wear a watch. $725, more info via ProenzaShouler.com.

Madewell Dangly Rhinestone Earrings: Costume jewelry with clear stones is a trend now, which is convenient since it goes with almost anything but doesn’t take up too much visual space. The vibrant color of the dress and bold print of the bag are enough that this outfit doesn’t require earrings that make a big statement. Buy through ShopBop for $45.

Original post by Amanda Mull

It seems as though I should have waited another week to write about leopard print as a bag trend – since that post was published, several more enormous brands have made their entrance into the fad, most notable among them Gucci. I was surprised to see the Gucci Heritage Pony Hair Boston Bag at first, but once I had a chance to think about it, the print totally makes sense with the retro feel of their most recent collection.

As several commenters correctly pointed out on my initial leopard print post, animal prints have been around for ever and waxed and waned in relative trendiness for generations. It only makes sense that when most of fashion is taking a look back to find inspiration from over half a century ago that leopard print would experience a resurgence in popularity.

For any remaining people that think leopard can’t be done in a classy way, I think this particular bag is a pretty convincing argument that it can be. The dark chocolate leather trim is beautiful and classic, and the printed pony hair that it frames gives it a pleasantly textural vintage touch. I wish that the straps were a tad longer for easier arm carrying, but other than that, the details of this satchel are pretty much perfect. The cream-colored lining is a nice touch in a big bag, it’s nice to be able to find things quickly. Buy through Saks for $2400.

Original post by Amanda Mull