Custom Design

It is ok to tell me how absolutely absurd it is to want to spend a good amount of money on a designer felt bag. Because really, intellectually I know it is ridiculous and typically I would agree with you. But my handbag-loving-emotions are taking over and I am seriously head-over-heels in love with the Fendi Felt Peekaboo Tote.

It is made with felt. Yes, felt. As in the material my mom and I used to go buy for me to use when creating a school project. Because it is inexpensive and not exactly a luxury material. My logic has left the building. Even after seeing every covetable option Fendi created of the Peekaboo, this somehow is the version that I seriously desire.

This version of the Peekaboo looks so soft that I want to cuddle with it. I want to buy it and then carry it around during the day and sit it next to me on the couch at night. And maybe we will share a glass of wine by the fire while reading a Nicholas Sparks novel… (or something).

The gray felt body is spruced up with the leopard print peeking out. The leopard print is on calf hair and the rest of the interior is lined in black suede. This combination is subtle but perfectly suited for my personal style. I think Fendi has been reading PurseBlog and figured out this is the bag for me. Ok, so it might be a little blase, especially for the exorbitant price tag. But I still want it. Check back to Net-A-Porter for it to stock for $2,670.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

In case you had forgotten that the end of summer is generally a bit of a slow news period in fashion, we’re here to remind you! The New York Daily News (with some help from Fashionista.com) counted down the most powerful global luxury brands of 2010 this spring, and although we didn’t have a chance to post about it back then, we do now. Consulting firm Millward Brown Optimor comes out with this list every year, and the brands staking claim to the top spots in the middle of a bad economy for luxury likely won’t surprise handbag aficionados.

Even though the industry as a whole is down about 3%, number one-ranked Louis Vuitton has still managed to grow its worth by 2% to nearly $20 billion, which appears to refer to just the brand and not the entirety of the LVMH conglomerate. Hermes, meanwhile, comes in at number two and has grown by 8% to almost $8.5 billion. Rounding out the top three, Gucci is up 2% with a little over $7.5 billion. What do all three brands have in common? None of them are bolstered by the high-margin cosmetics market (although Hermes and Gucci both have fragrance lines) and all three are most famous for their handbags and leather goods.

Two other brands with large presences in the handbag market also make the list: Chanel and Fendi, at number four and number nine, respectively. Both have lost value as companies in the past year (Is Karl Lagerfeld losing his touch? That’s another post entirely), but they’re still doing better than almost all of their competition. The article in the Daily News doesn’t make mention of the brands’ power in the handbag market, but the common thread seems hard to ignore.

Handbags have higher margins and are more widely marketable than a dress or even a shoe because they’re perceived (and rightfully so) as having a larger number of practical uses and a more durable, long-lasting nature. But it’s worth remembering: the money you spend on bags is making the people who design them extremely wealthy and powerful. At the very least, you should be getting a well-made bag and a great shopping experience in return. If you’re not, vote with your dollars. Who would be on your personal power list?

See the full list via the New York Daily News.

Original post by Amanda Mull

In case you had forgotten that the end of summer is generally a bit of a slow news period in fashion, we’re here to remind you! The New York Daily News (with some help from Fashionista.com) counted down the most powerful global luxury brands of 2010 this spring, and although we didn’t have a chance to post about it back then, we do now. Consulting firm Millward Brown Optimor comes out with this list every year, and the brands staking claim to the top spots in the middle of a bad economy for luxury likely won’t surprise handbag aficionados.

Even though the industry as a whole is down about 3%, number one-ranked Louis Vuitton has still managed to grow its worth by 2% to nearly $20 billion, which appears to refer to just the brand and not the entirety of the LVMH conglomerate. Hermes, meanwhile, comes in at number two and has grown by 8% to almost $8.5 billion. Rounding out the top three, Gucci is up 2% with a little over $7.5 billion. What do all three brands have in common? None of them are bolstered by the high-margin cosmetics market (although Hermes and Gucci both have fragrance lines) and all three are most famous for their handbags and leather goods.

Two other brands with large presences in the handbag market also make the list: Chanel and Fendi, at number four and number nine, respectively. Both have lost value as companies in the past year (Is Karl Lagerfeld losing his touch? That’s another post entirely), but they’re still doing better than almost all of their competition. The article in the Daily News doesn’t make mention of the brands’ power in the handbag market, but the common thread seems hard to ignore.

Handbags have higher margins and are more widely marketable than a dress or even a shoe because they’re perceived (and rightfully so) as having a larger number of practical uses and a more durable, long-lasting nature. But it’s worth remembering: the money you spend on bags is making the people who design them extremely wealthy and powerful. At the very least, you should be getting a well-made bag and a great shopping experience in return. If you’re not, vote with your dollars. Who would be on your personal power list?

See the full list via the New York Daily News.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Not long after the annual summer release of a new iPhone comes an inevitable parade of ways to personalize and protect your new gadget. Those options range from rubber cases that can be had for $19.99 at your local Best Buy to Louis Vuitton monogram sheaths that cost more than the phone itself (with a two-year contract, of course), and the prospect of choosing one can be quite the task indeed for style-conscious gadget-lovers.

Since it seems as though the iPhone 4 is making a case more of a necessity than ever, now is a good a time as any to talk about the odd submarket that has opened up for designer tech accessories. Would you spend a couple hundred bucks on a case for your phone, or are such things absolutely frivolous in your mind?

In many ways, the purchase of an iPhone or iPad is a style-conscious decision from the outset. Not only are Apple products notorious for excellent industrial design, but the company actively markets itself to people that value aesthetics in everyday life. It only makes sense that some of those people also enjoy significant expendable income, part of which they’re willing to expend in order to make their favorite gadget as pretty as can be.

Are you one of those people? Surprisingly, I’m not. I don’t have an iPhone (I have philosophical issues with AT&T), but my Blackberry is eternally covered by a boring black case, mostly because I’m convinced that I will one day drop it in a toilet (I worked at Best Buy for three years in college, it’s astonishingly common). If that happens, I don’t want to be out as much as a couple hundred bucks for a ruined case as well as a phone.

(From left: Nancy Gonzalez, $385 via Net-a-Porter; Fendi, $60 via Net-a-Porter; Rick Owens, $150 via Net-a-Porter.)

Original post by Amanda Mull

We got a peek at Fendi’s Fall 2010 runway handbags in March, but now that they’ve started to trickle out for retail pre-order, the details of the collection are becoming even more clear. What’s perhaps most striking, however, is how much the collection, now dubbed “Classico,” hasn’t changed.

Accessories are often altered somewhere in the runway-to-retail journey, but the clean lines and clear midcentury influence that we saw on Fendi’s runway are here in almost completely unadulterated form. Even the little tags remain, although these are embossed with the brand’s name instead of the custom initials that each model sported on the catwalk. I continue to hope that personalization will be available through Fendi boutiques, although I have yet to be able to confirm it. Larger pictures and price information, after the jump.

Fendi Classico No. 2 in embossed calfskin, $1540 via Luisa Via Roma.

Fendi Classico No. 2 in zucca, $1400 via Luisa Via Roma.

Fendi Classico No. 3, $1995 via Nordstrom.

Fendi Classico No. 4, $1640 via Nordstrom.

No word yet on what the Classico No. 1 might look like, although there is a Classico baguette that hasn’t been associated with a number thus far.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I’m from the South, so I come from a tradition where people dress up for particularly popular sporting events. Admittedly, I’m not all that tuned in to international soccer or the conventions and traditions that surround it, but I figure that there’s some daring bag lover out there that likes to dress to support her team and still be fashionable. If not, well, take this purely as a comedy post. You have to admit, however, that no matter where or how you’re watching the games, you’ve still got to carry a bag, right?

Fendi Peek-a-Boo Satchel

Countries: This one really only works for South Africa. The black, green and yellow banding remind me of the structure of the country’s flag as well as the colors. If only the cream portions were white! Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $4248.

Versace Naomi Leather Satchel

Countries: Greece, Argentina or Honduras, depending on how much you care about getting an exact match for the shade of blue. Would also work for Sweden, but, well, they didn’t qualify. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $1962.

Tory Burch Palma Small Backpack

Countries: Perhaps the only bag in this group that you’d actually want to carry to a World Cup game if you’re not sitting in a luxury box. If you’re a fan of Germany, Ghana, Spain or Brazil, you’re in luck! Buy through ShopBop for $295.

Bottega Veneta Mini Woven Shoulder Bag

Countries: Green is a pretty useful color when it comes to country-specific dressing, but it’s not so easy to find in bags. Brazil, Mexico, Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Portugal, Nigeria, Ghana and Italy – this is the one for you guys. Buy through Saks for $725.

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Zip Top Satchel

Countries: Cameroon, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, North Korea, Paraguay, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain Switzerland and the United States all feature red prominently, making their fans prime candidates for this luxe satchel. Buy through Saks for $2850.

No matter which country takes home the trophy, the real winners, of course, are teams like Brazil and Ghana, since they have the most handbag choices. Naturally. Who will you be rooting for?

Original post by Amanda Mull

I can’t think of a bag that’s more versatile than a big black clutch. Add an exotic skin to the mix for a healthy dose of luxury and you’ve got a bag that can be worn day or night and year-round, no matter your age. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how you’d work even the most basic bag into your wardrobe, however, particularly if you’re not prone toward considering a clutch (even an oversized one) to be a legitimate option for daytime use. With a little help from the Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Clutch, I’m here to give you some food for thought. Or, maybe, I’m just here to make up pretty outfits. I’m comfortable with either of those options.

The Bag

The Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Clutch: This should take very little explanation. Black is a hugely versatile color and an oversized clutch is a hugely useful shape to own. I for one don’t mind holding a clutch under my arm on most occasions (besides maybe shopping), and a bag like this is particularly appropriate for daytime events – an afternoon wedding, for example. Of course, it looks equally chic after dark. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1850.

Day

Acne Shy Pleated Satin Tank: The key to wearing black accessories during the summer is making sure that you include bright color and light fabrics in your outfit. This magenta top looks super chic against nearly any skin tone and would easily be office-appropriate under your favorite cardigan or blazer. The twisted strap is a subtle-yet-modern detail. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $200.
Alice + Olivia Eric Pant: Is there anything more luxurious for summer than a pair of voluminous white linen trousers? I certainly can’t think of anything. Not only are they weather-appropriate for summer, but they make bright colors pop and can be worn in a variety of situations and settings, as long as the sun is shining. Buy through ShopBop for $253.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti High Heels Ankle Wrap Sandals: You can’t have a pair of flowing, wide-leg pants without a proper pair of platforms to accent their shape. The wooden heel keeps the shoe summer-appropriate despite the black leather, which coordinates with the color of the clutch. These are the type of shoes that you’ll use over and over again with a thousand different outfits – they’re nearly as versatile as the featured bag. Buy through ShopBop for $620.
Lee Angel Etienne 18 Strand Necklace: I don’t care who you are, where you’re going, or what you’re wearing: a simple outfit needs statement jewelry. Unless you’re going crazy with patterns and texture, there’s not an ensemble that can’t be improved with some bling, this one included. Sure, the top and pants are very nice, but when you throw on an enormous, confident necklace like this one, the entire thing is taken to the next level. Buy through ShopBop for $155.
Alexis Bittar Large Lucite Bangle: This super modern bangle certain falls into the “statement jewelry” category, but it won’t take up as much visual space as a metal bracelet would, meaning that it won’t compete with the other giant piece of jewelry that I included in this outfit. Isn’t it nice when things work together? Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $495.

Evening

La Petite S Asymmetric Jersey Dress: How I love this dress, let me count the way: it’s an unexpected yet gorgeous color that could work well on lots of skin colors, the asymmetrical draping is gorgeous, as is the dramatic jersey ruffle down the back, it’s long enough and cut high enough that a woman of almost any age could wear it. In short, I love it and would like to have one immediately, if not sooner. I will find an event for this dress. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1480.
Ranjana Khan Silk Petal & Bead Earrings: If you’re going to wear an asymmetrical neckline, please don’t wear a necklace that competes with or interrupts it. You’re screwing up the dress. Instead, take the opportunity to put your hair up and wear totally over-the-top earrings. They’ll attract attention up, making people more likely to notice not only your interesting neckline, but also your beautiful face. Buy through Saks for $390.
Fendi Cinderella Runway Platform Sandals: Hear me out on this whole lucite thing. I know that it makes some people think of stripper heels, but Fendi did it in such a pretty, feminine, ladylike way that I can’t help but totally adore it. They chose wisely to confine the lucite to the platform and make the heel out of a traditional material because the shoe strikes a perfect balance between pretty and sexy. In this case, the draping that makes up the body of the shoe is particularly appropriate because it reflects the structure of the dress. Buy through Saks for $1140.
Roberto Cavalli Swarovski Serpent Bracelet: The colors of this particular snake bracelet work really nicely with the green dress, but this is the sort of piece that could really go with anything: neutrals, brights, patterns. Day, night, whatever. I wear my animal cuffs more than I wear anything in my jewelry collection, and people constantly ask me where they can get something similar. Well, here you go – spread the gospel far and wide, my children. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $675.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Ok, so, that’s probably a false promise. But these are five beach bags that we really like for five different budgets and personal styles.

(Clockwise, from top right)

1. Fendi Zucca Print Canvas Tote: This is the beach bag for the girl that’s worried about being glamorous in all facets of life. If you put heels and jewelry on to go to the beach and rent the best cabana in the best location (with cocktail service, of course), multicolored logo’d Fendi is exactly what you need to tote your towel. And also, I would like to go on vacation with you. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1050.

2. Prada Plex & Mistolino Tote: If you’re a bonafide city girl gone temporarily coastal, this is your bag. It allows you to extend an austere Prada sensibility to a venue that would normally be more casual, which reminds everyone that you are headed straight back to your urban apartment and your black wardrobe, just as soon as you get finished with that enormous drink which appears to have an entire half of a pineapple in it. Buy through BlueFly for $636.

3. Juicy Couture Beach Cooler Tote: If you paid more attention to the drinks mentioned in the previous two descriptions than the bags that they were about, then this is your new best friend. Sure, there are less expensive portable cooler options out there, but that’s not really the point of this blog, now is it? Plus, none of them are nearly this cute. Buy through Saks for $128.

4. Diane Von Furstenberg Glazed Canvas Beach Tote: If you’re a fashionable 20-something on a budget (read: if you’re Amanda) but still want the coolest beach bag possible, this is the one you want. The casual atmospheres and bright color schemes of tropical places make carrying an orange, yellow and purple leopard print bag totally acceptable, and…oh, who am I kidding. I’d carry it whenever. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $75.

5. Ted Baker Print Basket Tote: If your style is more classic and you don’t want to spend a fortune on a bag that’s only useful on the beach, this slightly more formal option is perfect. It can just as easily be worn to a restaurant or daytime event if the weather is warm, and the ribbon-covered handles and large bow make it special. Buy through Nordstrom for $110.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Part of the idea of Want it Wednesday is writing about things that are either super expensive, unattainable, or something I would typically not buy (for a variety of other reasons). For example, Victoria Beckham’s crocodile Birkin is way out of my budget and probably very hard to track down, but I covered it and still dream about it.

This week’s Want it Wednesday brings a tote that I would not ordinarily buy myself with a bikini that I absolutely adore. With summer arriving on our doorsteps, all I can think about is bikinis and beach-y bags. So here is my latest installment, with a Fendi bag and Poko Pano Bikini.

My first item is the Poko Pano Cabana Bikini. Let me tell you something, a white bikini is very flattering on most people. Even if you aren’t tan, you appear to have a tan when you wear a stark white bikini. Not to mention it feels very Bond Girl-esque. I love love love this simple yet glamorous design especially because of the twisted bandeau top. This means less tan lines while wearing a really feminine and sexy suit. I fell in love with so many suits at All Wet Beachwear, this being one. Buy for $150.

Best news is all PurseBlog.com readers can receive 10% off All Wet Swimwear’s collection of swimwear with the coupon code: AWBPB10. Enter at check-out. Offer ends May 10, 2010.

Next we have the Fendi Twins Woven Raffia Shopper. Welcome back this Fendi bag, we have covered it twice already. I still cannot say that I want to buy it, especially for the price. But if we were talking about being in the realm of having tons of money to spend, this would look amazing with any beachy summer outfit or even by a pool. Buy through Net A Porter for $2,560.

Oh yeah, I would also like the model’s body for my Want it Wednesday last request. Hey, it was worth a shot!

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I think it’s important to look at this bag for exactly what it is: a novelty item, designed to get attention and make people talk, and also a good collectible for those that love Fendi and want to add something really unique to their stash. Evaluating it like a regular bag is sort of besides the point.

The Fendi DIY Baguette Bag is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a woven, unfinished Fendi Baguette with everything you need to embroider your own bag. It’s sort of an opportunity to have your own one-of-a-kind designer bag, which is kind of cool, when you think of it that way.

But realistically, it’s a bag that’s unfinished and sold to the consumer in parts, which is a little weird. Or maybe genius? I suppose it might be genius if, uh, you know how to embroider. Which I don’t. But it comes with everything I would need to get started – multicolor thread, needles, thimbles. It doesn’t come with a “How to Make Your Own Fendi Bag for the Low, Low price of $995″ instructional DVD, but maybe next season’s version will. Something to think about if you’re listening, Fendi. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.

Original post by Amanda Mull