Designer Handbags

Image via Forbes

Personally, the whole quilted pattern is not my thing. Maybe for a seasonal bag I will take the plunge, but not for a bag that could be a gorgeous diamond ring. I would opt for a Hearts on Fire diamond ring and band (probably get a good size stone) before buying the Marc Jacobs Carolyn Crocodile Handbag. Said to be highly coveted, this handbag costs $30,000 from a line that is typically reasonably affordable. Not to mention, the Marc Jacobs line itself is not known hugely for its hit bags (at least if you ask me).

I was told by many of my college psychology professors that we all have a little bit of OCD in us. I am not sure if anyone else was looking at the board at that time wondering why the marker colors were not matching, writing was not in a straight line, and the desk in the front of the class was slightly to the left. Call me crazy but I get really edgy when something asymmetrical comes my way. If the asymmetrics don’t make sense to me and I yearn to see a mirror image, I literally start to twitch (ok not that bad). But even with this Marc by Marc Jacobs Softly Zip Clutch I am getting a little anal with the two front pouches not matching one another. One has a flap and a snap closure, while the other has a zip closure and a besom pocket. Pulling out hairs now. Even without my slight case of OCD for order and symmetry, this clutch seriously looks like it is winking at me. Hey, I know I look good, but not that good! Soft grained leather, aged brass hardware, paisley textile lining, and lots of inner goodies (coin pocket, two gusseted compartment, six card slots, and a billfold), make this clutch like a wallet and easy to carry necessities. Measurements are 7.5″x 4″x 1.5″. Available for those without OCD via eLuxury for $168.

I had many friends in high school who had a ‘family life’ class (or something of the sort), where the females had to put on a faux-pregnant belly to see what it will feel like to be pregnant. Along with that was sex education. Being in private Catholic school, I never had to try on that belly because all Catholic girls wait until marriage and do not need sex education ever {insert total sarcasm here}. But if I were in that ‘family life’ class, I would envision the faux baby bump to resemble the Marc by Marc Jacobs Canvas Backpack. This backpack is exclusive to Barneys New York and is made with natural toned canvas. There are three cargo pockets, which form a great preggy belly, and a removable star sequin detail. This merely reminds me of the scene in 10 Things I Hate About You where Bianca is seen wearing the pregnant suit to remind her of what she will carry for 9 months if she supersedes the Stork bringing a baby. Exclusively a laughable joke via Barneys for $198. Hey, at least it is cheap.

If you did not hear yet, silver is the new gold. I am a fan of both metallics, as long as they are subdued and not totally gleaming and shining to the point of blinding and gaudy. Marc Jacobs has been known to have many huge hits and many horrid misses. Just like I think Prada should continue riding the Gaufre wave and Fendi should continue riding the Spy wave, I also think that Marc Jacobs should continue riding the Stam wave. Another rendition of the highly coveted handbag, the Marc Jacobs Collection Patchwork Metallic Stam is designed with shiny silver metallic grained leather in the Stam signature stitched patchwork pattern. The golden brass hardware pairs with the silver leather perfectly and there is of course a frame top with a kiss lock closure. There is a removable brass chain shoulder strap, a front zipped pocket, and textile lining. If you are looking for some metallic silver accessories, this could be it.

Via eLuxury for $1650.

We reported earlier that Marc Jacobs has entered rehab for which we wish him the best. What better way to send him all kinds of love and support than continuing to buy his bags? And hey, worst case scenario, this helps you justify a purchase. A spin off the Stam, the Marc Jacobs Quilted Leather Tote showcases brown quilted leather with chunky gold hardware and chain link handles. Two front zip pockets add a bit of flare. This bag is a Marc hit, seeing as he rode the nice Stam wave and re-introduced the quilted leather along with a sophisticated coloring pair of brown leather and gold hardware. Support Team Marc through NAP for $1350.

To tame down the word punk, add the word sweet. This really is a delectable oxymoron pairing, sweet punk, which is also the name of the new hit line by Marc Jacobs. Hilary Duff has already been seen sporting a Marc Jacobs Sweet Punk Bag) and if this bag ran more along the monetary line of the Marc Jacobs Miss Marc, I’d go for it. The smooshy black leather looks exorbitantly supple for a MJ bag which is the sweet aspect, while the silver hardware studs are embellished along the outside and bring in the punk aspect on the Marc Jacobs Sweet Punk Studded Leather Handbag. While the studs are plentiful, the stud cup doth not runneth over. I am a bit annoyed that the inside merely is lined in canvas, seeing that with this price tag you would expect more, but the bag is still a great handbag for a young gal with lots of spunk or any gal for that matter with lots of funk. Through NAP for $2350.

Hilary Duff is single, young, sexy, and fashionable. The girl has really grown into herself from Lizzie McGuire cutie to sophisticated singer (kinda)/actress/latte drinker. Subtle, soft, but still a tad edgy and punk, Hilary Duff rocks the Marc Jacobs Debbie Sweet Punk Hobo Bag which is a hot line from Marc Jacobs because it perfectly implements supple leather with stud detailing. On the outside there is also ring detailing, an zipper pocket, and a turn lock with flap closure. Totally great for everyday wear, the hobos dimensions are 14″HX 17″LX 4″W. Rock on Hilary, rock on. Buy the bag via Saks for $1800.

Structured, A-line, stunning accessories; clean and crisp.

Tres chic! What more can I say other than Marc Jacobs is surprisingly on track with his Fall 2007 line. Reminiscent of European street chic yet stoic and poised, Marc implemented an array of hats which kept the models standing tall and the outfits looking couture. As you already saw the bag report, the clothing report from me is nothing but outward joy and excitement.

Picture Victoria Beckham sporting either of these outfits and looking nothing short of amazing

Love the bow on the top, love the bow on the dress, just magnificent

Via Style

The Marc Jacobs Show was a pleasant surprise of understated class, departing from the bejeweled hobo-layered spectacle that was his spring show. The whole thing was very Great Gatsby, all crisp hats and sleek silhouettes. I think the models should have sipped highballs as they walked. Anyway, on to the bags. What a departure! First off, there were plenty of bags in croc and ostrich, which is not exactly common for Marc Jacobs. Second, all the bags shown are itty bitty things compared to some of Marc’s usual staples. Third, there are no tacky labels attached to every surface, no mass of gems, in fact, just no tacky! These are four of my favorites, though some shots of fuschia ostrich from the side look promising indeed. The croc bag in beige is gorgeous. It’s so delicate and even subtle with the leather flap, and I love the detailing on the closure. The red bag exhibits a similar shape, but it appears to be split into two separate compartments for convenient stashing. I am kind of obsessed with the detail on this closure, too. The geometric shapes are really appealing, especially in that globe-like blue.

Big clutches were also prominent on the runway - the kind you hold in the crook of your arm rather than in your hand. I’m crazy about this look. It’s casual but super classy. The black flap clutch in woven leather is immaculate. It’s perfect for every occasion, I’m not even exaggerating. The basic black and the size make it appropriate for daytime casual or for professional situations, and it goes without saying that it would look smashing with a purple cocktail dress. Lastly, that teal ostrich with what looks like dark blue suede or calf hair trim is making me drool globs as big as those adorable buttons.

I’m in love and I can’t wait to see all these bags in stores in several months!

For more coverage of New York Fashion Week, visit the Shopping Nerd, where I am blogging at full speed.

Face it, everyday is not always as good as some others. You may be sick, tired, over-worked, having an ugly naked day, who knows (unless you are annoyingly perfect, then go away ). Last week if you could have seen me I would have closely resembled Miss Marc, tired, sick, and down right gross looking, that is the joy of being in the hospital.

I can picture it now, as the registration woman asks me, “May we please see your Health Care card?”. I would flip out the Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Pouch in a silent but bold statement of ‘Hey lady, I feel like poo, can’t you tell by this pouch?!”.

For the downtrodden days, this is the perfect accessory- it speaks a thousand words with the face of Miss Marc on this small pouch. There is a leather tie on the zipper for the entire pouch and a small zip pocket on the mouth. Hilarious. For the few days a year you feel like total poo, this pouch is the perfect accessory to show the world how you feel.

Not even expensive: $58 via Net-A-Porter.