Bags and Diamonds – Girl's Best Friends

Bags and Diamonds – Girl's Best Friends

June 04, 2007

You all know of my love for bags, but I'm also a girl who loves diamonds (what woman doesn't?). Despite my features of expensive 'It' bags, I'm always on the look out for deals, in handbags, fashion and jewelry. I recently discovered Abazias.com, a discount diamond dealer. Abazias is one of the few publicly traded online stores that offer lower-priced diamonds and they have over 100,000 stones to choose from. You can play around with the cut, price, weight, color and clarity to select the diamond that's perfect for you. Also, Abazias offers free shipping, free gift wrap, and a free teddy bear with any purchase. Get more bling for your buck at Abazias. ~This has been a What's Haute sponsored post.

posted by Haute Girl @ 10:14 PM 2 comments

Summer is here! May 26, 2007 Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer and I couldn't be more ecstatic! It's the perfect excuse to do more shopping, and of course that means buying more bags. Bags are especially important accessories in the summer since there are no bulky coats, scarves, and winter layers to hide them. I'm always on the lookout for great summer bags that work well with many outfits, since I don't care to change my bag every day. Catherine Rapetti has some sleek, simple summer bags that I love. The small 'Margaret' Tote is a great day bag. Made of canvas trimmed with brushed gold leather, this piece is a great investment at $300 - it also doubles as a chic beach bag. The 'Lydia' Clutch ($350) is a great addition to the tote - cracked metallic leather is lined in summery bright orange suede. Tuck it inside the tote for that after-work date or happy hour jaunt. posted by Haute Girl @ 11:13 AM 4 comments

Hayden Harnett Friends and Family Sale May 19, 2007 Shh...it's a secret - Hayden-Harnett is having a sale on their fabulous bags and apparel, including dresses, jackets and coats! Get 30% off everything, plus free shipping from now until May 25, 2007. (Click for larger) posted by Haute Girl @ 3:30 PM 0 comments

A Celi for my 'Celly' May 17, 2007 The bag that I'm currently carrying is a lovely oversized satchel, since I've been known to tote around everything. And I mean EVERYTHING! So of course, I can't ever find what I'm looking for which is usually my cell phone, credit card, drivers license, and lip gloss. Despite the multiple inside pockets, everything seems to get lost in the black hole that seems to be inside my bag. So when I heard about the Celicase, I felt like it was the perfect solution to my needs. My Celi is small, lightweight, stylish and sturdy and holds everything I need to grab fast. Made of Turkish leather and available in tons of colors, the Celi has both a removable clip (which also doubles as a money clip), and a detachable shoulder strap, in case you want to carry it as a bag. It's priced at $60, which is a tad bit expensive for a wallet-style bag, but the materials and bag are both of excellent quality, and in comparison to the money you probably spend on those "It" bags, its money well spent. posted by Haute Girl @ 10:57 PM 1 comments

Marc-y Marc's 18th Century Mistake May 13, 2007 Louis Vuitton has so many fugly bags coming down the pipe I don't know where to begin. The http://www.louisvuitton.com/web/flash/index.jsp?buy=0&langue=en_GB&direct1=cata&direct2=cat330008"> Louis Vuitton Dentelle Fersen is one of the ugliest designer bags I've seen in a while. It looks like the LV monogram collided with your grandma's lace doily. Someone should tell Marc Jacobs that 18th century lace has its place in fashion, and that place is not on a Louis Vuitton bag. And if you're going to use something a delicate as lace, don't add a chunky gold chain and thick brown leather strap. This bag is just wrong on so many levels. Including the £1,220 price tag. posted by Haute Girl @ 6:36 PM 3 comments

BE&D's Mix & Match Clutches May 10, 2007 I'm so glad Spring is finally here! The warm weather and summer clothes makes me so happy! And of course, I'm thrilled about all the new bag choices. I prefer oversized bags for work so I can carry everything at once, but I like to tuck a clutch inside for after work events. BE&D's 'Greta' Clutch is a petite and pretty pick for a summer clutch. (I'm ecstatic that they finally moved away from those HIDEOUS super studded bags and onto something more chic and classy). The 'Greta' has a minor amount of studs on the strap, a faux buckle, and comes in so many beautiful colors. There's aqua, gold, orange, lime, and of course, a sassy black patent. Although it's a bit on the expensive side for a clutch ($635), it's definitely a versatile bag and you can probably use it for at least several seasons. I want them all. Available at Net-a-Porter and BE&D.com. posted by Haute Girl @ 10:34 PM 2 comments

Mike & Chris' Hoodie-Inspired Handbags May 07, 2007 Husband and wife design team Mike and Christine Gonzalez reinvented the hoodie with their eponymous line, Mike & Chris. They succeeded at creating the perfect stylish hoody for women, and now they've ventured into handbag design and the result is equally fabulous, hoodie-inspired purses. The styles consist of easy pieces that look as comfortable as their hoodies; that is, if you could 'wear' a handbag. The bags are made of distressed, weathered leather, giving the look and feel of relaxed urban street style. The Alister Antiqued Leather Duffel ($968) is a double-flapped, zipped shoulder bag that has just the right combination of edge and class for day and night. The Berkeley Antiqued Leather Hobo ($438) is a super slouchy shoulder bag that is Andrea Brueckner meets biker babe. The Austin Large Antiqued Leather Saddle Bag ($875) is a military-style shoulder bag with exterior front cargo pockets and a snap closure. Check out more of Mike & Chris' chic urban styles here. posted by Haute Girl @ 9:49 PM 2 comments

Who Did It Better? May 03, 2007 In the world of fashion design, everything is 'inspired' by something or someone. Big-name brands are notorious for ripping off the designs of emerging designers, and many times, vice versa. These two turquoise bags are almost identical in design, style, and even color. I like them both, but which one do you prefer and why? Neal Decker 'Slouch' (in Turquoise Italian Leather), $285 Coach 'Ergo' Leather Tote (in Turquoise Glove-Tanned Leather), $328 Came straight to this page? Visit What's Haute for more haute bags! posted by Haute Girl @ 12:27 AM 10 comments

It's a Drawer! It's a Clutch! It's Superbag! May 01, 2007 I have discovered the perfect super bag. Anyone who knows me knows I carry extra-large bags with excess amounts of stuff. I'm talking phone, wallet, comb, brush, lipgloss, bronzer, bills, magazines, work papers, water, gum, glasses, jewelry, lotion,...you can stop me anytime now. The point is, I carry it all. But I can't ever find what I'm looking for. Many bags boast compartmentalization but this bag really does it. The Convertible Bag by Antrobus actually has TWO DRAWERS that pop out on the side! It's like carrying your jewelry box around all day, but in a chic way. Also, the bottom of the bag zips out to become a clutch! The overall bag is absolutely gorgeous, and the fact that it has a built-in jewelry box and clutch makes it even more appealing. So you can spend over $1,000 on an 'It' bag that everyone else has, or you can spend $1,250 wisely on this super multi-bag. Available at Vivre Came straight to this page? Visit What's Haute for more haute bags! posted by Haute Girl @ 10:46 PM 5 comments

In Love With Luggage April 30, 2007 Since I recently went on a business trip, and have several more to come, I've been checking out more and more luxury luggage. I've always been a snob when it comes to handbags and purses, but I never really cared much about luggage. But now, the options are getting so good that I've been looking at luggage and even considering using the bags as everyday carryalls too. I recently came across a new line of luggage that I absolutely love, from Jana Feifer, coincidentally named Love Luggage Joint. As you may recall, Jana Feifer started a line of initial bags, and you can see a bit of that incorporated into her new line. I like that the bags are incredibly stylish, and remind me a bit of Goyard some other popular, luggage-style bags. The line is very 70's-inspired - with vintage colors, shapes and styles. My picks are the Small Satchel ($150), the Satchel ($355), and the Tote ($150). I like that they have the appeal of luxury bags, but the prices are incredibly low - everything's under $500! I love it! Came straight to this page? Visit What's Haute for more haute bags! posted by Haute Girl @ 12:47 AM 0 comments

Jumping the Shark April 21, 2007 For those of you who don't know, that term is used for the point where a good TV show goes bad. For example, once the producers kill off an important character or change a critical storyline, the show usually goes down the tubes. I think the same can be said in fashion, or at least it should be. I have been very satisfied with Gustto's trademark slouchy bags with large studs. And they had to go a ruin it by jumping the shark, designing something so horrible that I'm not sure their brand can recover. It's bad enough that Gustto created this Giolitti Gathered Shoulder Bag, an ugly granny-style bag in an even uglier granny color, but they decided it needed a companion - a detachable purse that hangs from the front of the bag. My eyes don't know what to focus on first - the putrid color, the cheap look of the bag, or the ugly clutch dangling on the front. Ambitious? Check. Hideous? Check. Overpriced? Check. The next 'It' bag? I don't think so. posted by Haute Girl @ 11:25 AM 7 comments

What's In a Name? With a name like Thickskin, you expect heavy duty, sturdy leather bags. And that's just what you get. Thickskin's bags are made of textured, scarred leathers and exotic skins that are beautiful, yet durable and tough. I'm a fan of Thickskin's use of metallics in their Classic Collection. Since metallics have become a favorite for every season, these bags fits the bill. The Exotic Bucket bag is made of glistening ostrich leather and fits nicely over your shoulder. And the two front zip pockets give you a place to quickly stash small stuff. The All-Nighter is the perfect carryall - both for travel and for overnight 'excursions'. The caramel-colored lambskin is a great neutral tone nicely paired up with metallic silver trim. The slim Clutch is a classy day and evening bag also made of textured ostrich leather. Visit Thickskin to check out their other collections. posted by Haute Girl @ 8:26 AM 3 comments

Fendi Strikes Again April 17, 2007 Now this blog is mainly reserved for haute handbags and purses, with the occasional fugly one, and some fabulous fashion. But leave it to Fendi to make me stray from my usual and report on the fugliest, most impractical designer shoes ever to walk the face of this earth. I ask once again, WTF FENDI??? I think someone at the House of Fendi is playing some cruel tricks on the fashion world, consistently designing crap to get us all to scratch our heads and become really confused. And then maybe once we all get to the point where we just can't take it anymore, the folks at Fendi will yell 'April Fools!' or something like that and things will get back to normal. Ok, maybe not. So, I don't know what's worse - the silver sequins covering the shoes or the stupid kitten heel underneath the huge wedge heel, or the patent slides with orange stitching and a wood grain heel. Oh, there are so many issues here. These shoes have to be some of the worst things I've ever seen. Fashion should be progressive and cutting-edge but when it becomes a joke, its game over. Came straight to this page? Visit What's Haute for more haute bags! posted by Haute Girl @ 9:50 PM 12 comments

Snoop's Got My Bag! April 16, 2007 Though his overall style may be questionable, his handbag is to die for. After my Gucci letdown, and my recent disappointments in Fendi, I've been checking out Louis Vuitton to fulfill some of my luxury needs. I have wanted to buy the Monogram Canvas 'Speedy' for several years now but it seems like EVERYONE and their mother owns one, and if I'm going to pay over $600 for one, I want some sort of exclusivity. The Damier Canvas 'Speedy' is a slightly less ubiquitous LV purse, and the checkerboard pattern is a nice switch from the usual LV logos. I think it has a bit more class than the Monogram version, and is knocked off less. What do you think? Should I buy the Damier Speedy? On another note, who in their right mind would pay $255 for a 'Speedy' key ring??? posted by Haute Girl @ 10:21 PM 4 comments

Metropolitan Style April 14, 2007 I just came back from a business trip in Palm Springs, CA - I know, lucky me :). The weather was gorgeous - almost 90 degrees and sunny. I'm a typical girl when I travel - I pack way too many clothes, shoes, and accessories, and since it was a business trip, I had to pack my laptop too. I have a few of those typical shoulder bags for my computer but I hate them because they swing all over the place, usually hitting people right and left. I recently received the 'Milano' Notebook Bowler by MetStyle, which I carried on my trip. I love that it looks much like a designer bag, but was roomy enough for my large laptop, magazines, music, books and papers. There's a bunch of compartments inside to keep things organized, and the shorter shoulder straps that snap together make it easier and more comfortable to carry. I checked out MetStyle's other products and they have some really cool 'gear cases'. The 'Tokio Sleeve' in Titanium is a chic, Chanel-style quilted notebook protector. For you sportier gals, there's the 'TipToe' Notebook handbag - a micro-suede bag with racing stripes and multiple handles. And for the high-fashion set, there's the Champs Elysees - quilted satin with ribbon laced grommets. Visit MetStyle for more fashionable laptop bags! posted by Haute Girl @ 9:39 AM 8 comments

New Kid on the (Tod's) Block April 11, 2007 I love this bag. It's small, it's sleek and it's sexy. And it's surprising. When I think of Tod's bags, I tend to think of Tod's shoes - pebbled leather body with a pebbled rubber sole. At first glance, I didn't even recognize this as a Tod's product. The 'New Girelli' ($875) is a cool clutch that would work with just about anything. I could carry this wearing a T-shirt and jeans, and equally well with an evening gown. Made of silk with lizard tejus trim, and crystal side snaps, this clutch is very anti-Tod's and it works. Take note Fendi - when you step outside of your design 'box', this is the right way to do it. posted by Haute Girl @ 6:38 PM 16 comments

Celeb Spotting - Jennifer Lopez with a Katherine Kwei 'Stella' Tote April 08, 2007 Who else but La Lopez could show up for jury duty looking uberly fabulous? Jennifer Lopez was spotted rockin' casual chic as only she knows how. She manages to make an extra-long cardigan, oversized sunglasses, and baggy jeans look haute, but the best part of her look of course, is the bag. J. Lo, always a fashion trendsetter, is toting one of Katherine Kwei's luxury knotted handbags. The 'Stella' Tote (in Putty) is made of 'pricked' goat and lambskin, lined in goat suede, and has Kwei's signature eternity knots across the bottom. Available for $1600 - visit KatherineKwei.com for more details. posted by Haute Girl @ 6:03 PM 5 comments

Cheap and Chic April 07, 2007 Despite the absence of Spring-like weather, I'm still starting my Spring/Summer shopping. I'm always on the lookout for cute beach bags or colorful carry-all totes. Sheila D. has a bunch of great reversible corduroy tote bags in eye-popping Spring colors. These handmade bags are of great quality, and are adorable and practical. My favorites are the 'Pomegranate - Red Lines' tote (above) and the 'Cotton Candy - Red/Orange Flowers' tote (below). At $28 per bag, you can pick up one in each color to supplement your wardrobe. All items are made of limited edition fabrics so visit Sheila D. ASAP to get your cheap and chic sumer bag. posted by Haute Girl @ 10:13 AM 1 comments

Weekly Haute Bag Round-up April 02, 2007 Fergie's a handbag designer? Kipling thinks so. Check out every version of the Chloe Bay bag ever made. Louis Vuitton does it again - check out the handbags in the Monogram Denim Patchwork Collection. Purses aren't just for women anymore - Japanese men are toting handbags too. Check out the new handbag line A. Che by designer Amanda Che. Are you an indie handbag designer? Enter the 1st Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards (sponsored by Handbag Designer 101). Check out the Louis Vuitton "Urban Satchel". posted by Haute Girl @ 11:50 PM 1 comments

And the Winner is... March 31, 2007 Congratulations Enid P! You are the winner of the Moorea Tote by begeren. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest and check back often for more haute handbag giveaways! posted by Haute Girl @ 1:43 AM 2 comments

Dooney Downgrade March 29, 2007 What happened to Dooney & Burke? When I was growing up, I dreamed of owning a Dooney bag. Although I owned numerous luxury brands and tons of other bags, I never purchased a Dooney. But I wanted one badly. The sturdy pebbled leather, contrasting smooth leather trim, and that duck logo always got me excited. But these new Dooneys make me depressed. Who in the world is designing this crap, and for whom? Dooney was one of those brands that had lasting beauty and style, and now they look like cheap knockoffs of multicolored Coach and Louis Vuitton bags. These new bags remind me of the Spice Girls CDs - you know someone must be supporting them/buying them because they keep producing more, but no one admits to buying them (how many people do you see rockin' these fugly bags?). Dooney - I'm done. posted by Haute Girl @ 12:09 AM 2 comments

The Timeless Beauty of Burberry March 27, 2007 Burberry is one brand that, in my opinion, hasn't been completely tainted by Canal Street knockoffs. The Burberry check pattern seems to be difficult to duplicate, and I'm glad that at least one luxury brand can maintain its uniqueness. The Buckled Leather Hobo is a classy and versatile hobo. The color scheme is neutral but not boring, and the plaid print is surprisingly anti-trendy so you can carry it for years. And the price is another surprise - only $425?! You can't even purchase a mainstream designer bag for that price these days! Koobas and Botkiers are priced around $650! I'm thinking of snatching up both the black and the white trimmed bags - white for Spring/Summer, black for Fall/Winter. With its timeless beauty, I don't think Burberry will ever go out of style. posted by Haute Girl @ 11:27 PM 3 comments

Tough Chic March 26, 2007 (Tracy Reese - Spring '07 Collection) Tracy Reese is all about feminine chic. Her clothes are perfectly girly - lots of pastels, prints, flounces, and frills. I feel glamorous just looking at her collections! Because her pieces are so feminine, I love that her handbag line has a somewhat tough edge. Her bags are the complete opposite of her clothes - sturdy and structured - but still sexy. My favorite is the 'Cecily' Flap Satchel ($795) - a boxy bag with a top flap, double handles, gorgeous gold hardware, and extra outside pockets for easy access. I think it is a great bag to pair up with the season's feminine fashions - like flirty mini-dresses, big belts, puffy tops, and skinny pants. The neutral 'bone' color works nicely against eye-popping colors as well as neutrals and basic blacks. posted by Haute Girl @ 10:54 PM 1 comments

Oh, Snap! March 22, 2007 Goldenbleu consistently designs bags that aren't 'It' bags, and I love that about them. Their bags are always edgy, unique, and full of adorable details. The Luella Patent Leather Tote has a very cute, very practical front-pocket with a top snap closure - ideal for placing your cell phone, lip gloss, cash, and other things that usually get lost in the black hole of your purse. The handle is a unique, rounded shoulder strap held in place with studded tabs. The green color is my fave for Spring but the black and white are just as fresh. ($566) posted by Haute Girl @ 11:25 PM 2 comments

Matchy Matchy, Vichy Vichy

March 20, 2007

I hate matchy matchy. Have you ever seen those couples at an amusement park wearing matching tee shirts with their picture on it, or a woman walking the streets in head to toe Louis Vuitton - jacket, pants, bag, shoes, etc.? Both instances are totally tacky. But Yves St. Laurent makes matchy matchy very pretty. Picture this - a basic black tunic top and black pants. Simple, yes, boring, maybe. But add the YSL Downtown Vichy handbag, ($1995), cinch your waist with the Vichy belt, ($555), and step out with the Vichy Holly Ballerina flat, ($450) and you've got the perfect Spring/Summer Fall/Winter outfit. The bag is an investment piece - the shape isn't too trendy, plus black and white never goes out of style so it can be worn in any season. It's a great size for toting to work, and it works for going out at night too. Get your match on at ShopVogue.com