Think I was excited about viewing the Marc Jacobs show? Well I was. But most Marc Jacobs bags are just a dream to you and me and Spring is far off.

So now with that in perspective you might try to imagine my excitement about the release of Coach’s 65th anniversary line.

Oh, yes! (You must already know I love Coach, though.)

The line brings back vintage styles with more modern shapes, it brings back a little of that ol’ Bonnie Cashin (designer head) kiss-lock. And it keeps new classics, like many bags in the “Legacy” collection that also resemble bags from last Spring. Coach even is introducing smaller details that instantly click with fans, like the color combo of Khaki (brown-toned) Signature with Ebony (YES, BLACK!) leather trim. Brown and black on one bag, Coach, you’ve finally taken one of my suggestions from my telepathic love notes!

One other thing that Coach is introducing is something major: a higher price point. Some bags cost the same, but many more rise above $600. And then—get this, there’s a limited edition Alligator bag for $10,000. Hello Hermès?! Even a genuine ostrich clutch for over $1,000! Oh, my!

Hopefully that will attract some more “catwalk” cred to the brand. Gucci schmucci?

Stay tuned for more products! Preview and shop the Anniversary Legacy accessories by Coach.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Anyone who puts down Coach should check this bag—and its price—out.

Coach’s Chelsea Op Art Satchel has a body of brown suede with rectangular strips of metallic leathers and such. The Coach signature-styled corner stitching even gets a boost of the different style, with multi layers of 90° angles to match on the opposite end.

The body even has a new design, this particular satchel shape is unique to Coach, being—of course—rectangular. To match the newer Chelsea line elements, there’s a turnlock closure on the top of the bag: gorgeous, especially in this new satchel shape. To top it off, design-wise, there are round rings and buckles.

Sounds like perfection at 13 ¼” length. But are you ready for the kicker points? Those accessory strips are: suede, dusted suede, metallic calfskin, patent leather, & “lightweight” leather. Add a silk/satin lining and what have we got?

Are you ready?

Another rare expensive designer COACH price of $798!

Well, it is divine!

Want something similar at a more cost-effective pricepoint? There’s a matching wristlet for only $198 and several other satchels in this shape of different materials, including basic pebbled leather and Optic Signature, both at $358.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Stay tuned for IT Bag Monday, next! Right now, it’s also Marc Jacobs sales day!! All of these bags are currently under $800!

Net-a-Porter:
– Metallic Venetia Tote
– Gold Small Multi-Pocket Hobo Bag
(pictured)

Neiman Marcus:
– Calfskin demi-style pocket bag

eLUXURY:
– Side-pocket Tote

*Update* I am not feeling well, so hold on ’til later for the rest of today’s posts.

Popularity: 5% [?]

(Note: This post contains a little helpful information on recognizing authentic Louis Vuitton bags.)

The Louis Vuitton Speedy is a great bag. I love LV’s signature layout, it’s simply the finest with the greatest attention to quality and detail. The Speedy bags are made using uncut leather, pretty much one strip, so the back side of them have upside down LVs. I just love this so much, it’s pretty much how I would do things.

But then there’s the material. It just doesn’t hold it’s shape. It slouches no matter what. So however much I like the Speedy, I can’t carry one.

My new favorite is the Louis Vuitton Alma. I always loved it perhaps the most, for its classy, unique shape. It has a leather bottom, and so the rear has upright monogram, but the incomparable aligning and the fact that LVs are never cut off the side measure up to standard.

Anyway, it’s mostly about that sophisticated, classic shape. When I buy a Louis Vuitton, it will be an Alma. (Just a bit too bad the Alma’s a few hundred more dollars than the Speedy, at $880.) You can buy the authorized Alma at eLUXURY. Do you think I should save up, or perhaps research further and go for used and a little discount on eBay? I might even get one at the boutique, I imagine there would be no better feeling when buying a Louis. Yes, in a couple years time, for sure, although I hear LV’s pricing always rises. Well, my professional writing income will probably be raised quite a bit, so I think it will be less cash to me! Most of you, maybe act now on this forever classic bag.

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It’s IT Bag Monday, and this entry is about a brand new label that is sure to make an impression.

The new design house Gryson was started by Ms. Joy Gryson, who formerly worked as design director for Marc Jacobs (can’t we see the similar quality in these bags?) and also was behind many “IT” bags for other power houses, according to Bergdorf Goodman.

My favorite of her small debut collection are the satchels, with trigger-lock closures, elegant lines and rich tones. The Seamed “Sophie” Satchel is classic, while I slightly prefer the Medium Leather “Ava” Satchel for its unique shaping. The lines speak to me.

Both bags are made of Italian leather, with a suede lining, golden hardware and a hanging I.D. tag. The Sophie comes in burgundy or black leather, is sized 9″ h x 16″ w x 6½” d at $825, while the Ava comes in burgundy or khaki leather, is sized 7″ h x 14″ w X 4½” d at $775. Bergdorf Goodman is taking pre-orders for both, which should ship by September.

*Via: Purseuing*

Popularity: 3% [?]

To answer the issue of “everyone has a fake LV, so everyone will think my authentic Louis Vuitton is fake” (referenced in my post on the Monogram Speedy 25), how about Epi Leather or the Damier Canvas Speedy? True purse connoisseurs will still recognize LV material and styling, many won’t know any better, and hardly anyone will think you’ve given in to a knockoff non-monogram.

Nice, but I’m not so sure these have the same oomph, what do you think?

Buy Louis Vuitton at eLUXURY.

Popularity: 4% [?]

It’s IT Bag Monday!

There is a new Fendi B. Shoulder bag for Fall, and this one’s a logo bag! Is this the first Logoed B.? I think so.

It’s just like the other shoulder B. bag, with auburn-hued trimming, but the ruching on the bottom really comes through better with a fabric (although who wouldn’t love that effect more on leather?!). It even has the same charming chain strap. Do I like/want this more than the Leather Shoulder B.? No, with B. buckles, no one needs a signature, and it actually detracts from the buckles being the focus. Although I like Fendi’s logo, be it geometrical and “cold,” it is clever—so I’d take it in a Chef. (I’m always mentioning that Chef!)

This is indeed a Busy B., but we love it anyway, right? Well, perhaps we can truly know the love, because it only sells for $920. Quel shock, quel shock, quel shock! Hmmm, perhaps there won’t be much time to think about it or save a few extra hundred (as opposed to blowing savings on a bunch of extra thousands), because at that price, with this IT, it could really sell fast! (I’m thinking, it is quite like a chef with that ruching! Plus B.!) Hmm. Oh, no, the craziness! Get yours at Saks Fifth Avenue. (Or don’t and save it pour moi, perhaps it could go on sale, if you do! ;-))

Popularity: 3% [?]

It’s cute and sweet. It’s classic, yet bold, fresh and young. It’s all about the flower-&-stem charm on this Miu Miu Floral Appliqué Shoulder Bag, with stud and gem stones. But there’s even more: its yellow hue is lovely for Spring & Summer and strikingly different. It’s not even a very large bag, standing nicely against a woman’s frame, although at $840, I might like it larger.

Available now at Net-a-Porter.com

Popularity: 8% [?]

Combine Marc Jacobs (one of my favorite designers) and a satchel (one of my favorite purse styles) and you get a gorgeous handbag such as this Soft Calf Tina purse (14″ l x 8″ h x 7″ d).

You better believe if I had an extra $995 somewhere around here, I’d buy this one in a hurry! Smooth leather in a gorgeous linen color, side pockets with signature Marc Jacobs press-locks, protective metal feet, an adjustable leather belt wrapping around the center—all accented with chunky gold hardware. It also has such a beautiful shape—I love its profile! This would definitely be a classy and fun purse to carry to work or anywhere!

Popularity: 5% [?]

How delicious this new crescent shape of the “Tortilla” is from Coach. And new it is, it’s something unique to my eyes; actually a hobo with pockets. These aren’t stocked in many stores, but are available to ship throughout the country. The problem with that is that I can’t get an exact picture of the bag shape, but I believe these aren’t typical hobos; but wrap around the back just enough to fit to a body if worn over the shoulder, thus creating the newly named shape. (Examine the store photo, yourself.)

This exciting new creation looks so luxe on its own, but they added genuine snake trim to the canvas fabric to up its worth. If you ask me, this original style is worth a lot without fancy leather (and I’d prefer to be able to buy one). But no, it’s a top-priced item at Coach, at $798.

Popularity: 5% [?]