Save info   Get password
Home Submit your blog Edit Account Rules RSS-Archive Contact


A Little L.A.M.B. and Some Harajuku Love
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Gwen Stefani is a true celebrity fashionista, with her own unique style both on stage and everyday (sans the help of an over-hyped stylist). Both of her handbag lines, L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers represent who she is, and who I am, for that matter. With all the 'It' bags out there, I find myself being drawn to purses that take themselves a bit less seriously. I prefer tongue-in-cheek bags, interesting prints, and anything exceptionally different. So I adore her collections, the classic line stamped with Gwen influences; the other, a tribute to Japanese style, described as a 'fatal attraction to cuteness.' Cheeky and chic, these bags are haute, just like Gwen herself.


Bagaholic
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Bagaholic = Bag + ShopaholicOne who likes to shop for bags. I think that pretty much describes me.How would you describe yourself? Maybe you're a Shoeru (Shoe + Guru), or a Shoeoff (Show Off + Shoe). Or do you Ex-Pose (pose + ex) yourself? Ever have a moment of Rejeaneration (regeneration + jeans)? What does this all mean?These witty word combinations (and more) are the brainchild of friends Mia Christou, Scott Lobdell, and John Nee, creators of Mixtionary, a delightful book of mixed up words. Come up with your own creative combination and win a copy of Mixtionary. I've got 5 copies available to giveaway so the five most original will win! Email or post your combos now!


Best and Worst Bags of 2006 Awards!
1970-01-01 00:59:59
It's finally here-the best and worst bags of 2006! See which of your favorites made the list:Best bag of the year - Reader's Choice: Fendi SpyBest bag of the year - New Designer: Begeren Moorea Tote Most unique bag: Tie - Femme Sud Ex-Libris, Stylesse Lightning Strikes ToteMost innovative handbag brand: Freddy & Ma Most loved by celebs: YSL MuseHautest new handbag designer: ZefanyaMost popular: Patricia Field Bag from The Devil Wears PradaMost coveted: Paul & Joe for Target Owl bagBest trend: Snake accents - Rachel Zoe for Leiber - Cleopatra, Handmaid by Michelle Frantz Clutch with SnakeMost popular color: White - Lorelei Lucia ClutchMost innovative material: Cork - Elezar Highbury, Lauren Merkin Eve ClutchBest hobo: Botkier Trigger Fan HoboBest satchel: Zefanya SharpeiBest comeback bag: GoyardBest metallic bag: Alessandro Dell'Acqua Metallic Mirror Leather ToteBest tote: Anna Corinna 'City' ToteBest clutch: Hayden Harnett 'Mercer' ClutchBest celebrity designed bag: Gwen Ste
Read more: Awards

Wicker - It's not Just For Lawn Furniture
1970-01-01 00:59:59
I love Resort season because all of the bags have such an airy, breezy feel. Even if you can't go on vacation right now, getting a resort bag makes you feel like summer is just a little bit closer. Also, the bags are light, easy to pack, perfect for toting to the beach traipsing around sunny locales.Cork was the big resort material of last year but wicker also made a brief entrance. For the 2006/2007 resort season, wicker bags have come back strong. Here is a sampling of some of the best wicker clutches:About half of Savoy Accessories' collection includes adorably cute wicker bags. The Marbella Mariel is a dainty little clutch, with a teardrop-shaped leather flap closure and a cute gold chain. This bag is perfect for dinner and dancing in the Hamptons, and at $125, you can get one of each color to switch things up. Kate Spade's Minu Wicker Clutch ($195) is sparse in detail, as is common of her bags, but sweet nevertheless. I like the fish hook closure, and the gold leather trim whic
Read more: Furniture

Haute or Not: Tory Burch 'Frida' Canvas Tote
1970-01-01 00:59:59
I never saw 'Frida ' but I heard it was a great movie. Looking at this bag, I think it's safe to assume that Tory Burch saw the film and was perhaps inspired by Mexican art. But is that really an excuse to design a hideous handbag? Her 'Frida' Canvas Tote is (I'm assuming), meant to have a Mexican feel, but it winds up looking cheap and tacky. It looks like a novelty bag that was purchased at a Mexican street fair - something you might hang on your wall as a souvenir, but certainly not meant to be carried out of the house. And priced at $295, it better come with a Frida Kahlo original.What do you think: haute or not?
Read more: Haute

Weekly Haute Bag Round-up
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Welcome to the first weekly bag round-up. See what haute bags were featured on the web this week:Haute ness - The Handbag Magazine feaures Sang A.'s luxury handbags (Ilana Clutch, pictured at left)FabSugar presents Stuart Weitzman's new line of handbagsBag Snob presents the newest IT bags from Bottega VenetaThe Bag Lady loves the Harajuku Lovers 'Uh-Oh' ToteBunnyshop says Intermix has designer bags on sale eBelle5 features Dior's new Limited Edition Saddle BagsEnter Iguana Fashions 'Find a Transparent Handbag' contest to win $50Fashion Plate features cute Spring clutches from Bambina di CioccolatoMa Petite Chou says Poppie Couture's Foldover Bags are all the rage right now
Read more: Weekly

Break the Chains of Love
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Usually when designers create a younger, cheaper line, it looks just that - young and cheap. Dooney & Bourke is a prime example - I much prefer their sturdy pebbled leather bags with the simple duck logo over the more recent ones printed with DB hearts that look like stale Valentine's candy. Anyway, I digress. Though most designers get it wrong, Carlos Falchi did it right. His new line, Sloane & Alex, has all the Carlos Falchi sensibilities - soft skins and simple shapes, but with an equally expensive price tag. (So much for the cheap part.)Anyway, the Spring '07 Chains of Love bags are the standouts of the collection - hobos, satchels and pouches with arrow-trimmed top handles and chains passing in and out of the leather body. Prices range from $295 to $590.Came straight to this page? Visit What's Haute for more haute bags!
Read more: Break

Who Did It Better?
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Is there true originality in fashion? It seems as though whenever a designer comes out with a new style, several other designers happen to have the same idea. It's tough to say who did it first, but who do you think did it better?Anna Corinna, Crosshatch Satchel, $398ORIsabella Fiore, Tula Tote, $695 AND Poesis Slouchy Tria, $175ORBottega Veneta Lichti Fume, $10, 100(!!!)


Who Did it Better?
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Anna Corinna - Mini City Tote, $345 at Luna BostonCorto Maltedo - Large Leather Bag, $1,024 at YOOXSalvatore Ferragamo - Gancio Tote, $1,450 at Neiman Marcus


Gucci Sucks!
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Gucci, to me, has always been the Mercedes-Benz of handbag brands - iconic, luxurious, and highly coveted. I had a few vintage Gucci bags given to me throughout my life, but on a trip to Italy in 2005, my mother bought me my first, brand spanking new Gucci hobo. I fell in love instantly, clutching my new bag tight, (receiving many strange looks from my boyfriend I might add), and promised to take really good care of it. So what happened? Only several months later I began to notice some minor wear and tear. Now look at it!I'm so pissed off that such an expensive bag from such a notable brand could get this damaged just from the friction of being carried on my shoulder. I mean, I've bought bags for way less money, and used them the same way and to this day they are still in pretty good condition. Less than two years later and the Gucci I so loved, looks as if it's been ripped to shreds! And I didn't even carry it everyday!What do you think? Is it time for my love affair with Gucci to
Read more: Gucci

Weekly Haute Bag Round-up
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Invade My Closet introduces us to the Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork bag (pictured at left)Frapp-Induced Fashion features Fendi B Bags in every color and styleKarina XOXO rocks across-the-body bagsCool Like Chloe tells us Chloe's Bay Bag is of the new breed of It bagsIn My Bag features Hayden Harnett's Boca Rattan Spring bagKristopher Dukes lists the top 5 bags for Spring 2007The New Pink finds a great printed Spring bag on the River Island websiteDaddy Likey spots a Fendi Barf BagFashionalities discovers a new handbag line - Creations by Kage
Read more: Weekly , Haute

She Sells Sea Shells
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Bulga burst onto the scene a few years ago with their excessively studded butterfly bag, seen on the arms of virtually everyone. But since then, most Bulga creations have been fairly stud free, and now it seems Bulga is relying on odd shapes for its new designs.This shoulder bag from the new Spring collection appears to be the long lost cousin of the clam. The multiple pockets conjure up images of a collection of shells piled up on the beach, and the pinkish-beige tone only adds to that effect. It seems that 'Under the Sea' is one of the new themes for Spring, since tons of other designers are gluing shells, seahorses, and other underwater finds on their bags. This one is not too obvious; just underwater inspired. And it's refreshing to see Bulga try something new, even though I'm still not sure I like it.
Read more: Shells

Michael Kors - He's Bringing Sexy Back
1970-01-01 00:59:59
How sexy is this Michael Kors bag/shoe combo? It makes me so anxious for Spring to arrive! I love the rich, deep walnut color and MK's ever-brilliant use of studs. This set would look great with a cream tunic dress, which is so hot for the upcoming Spring/Summer season. I discovered this gorgeous dress by Rachel Roy that is a perfect complement to this accessories duo.The Layla Asymmetrical Dress is a flowingly draped, Grecian-inspired creation. The cream color screams simplicity but the billowy sleeves and draping and ruching suggest sophistication. Paired up with MK's sexy oversized Woven tote and chunky Gevena Studded heel completes the look and gives you runway style for everyday. I have to admit, $995 for an MK bag is a bit on the high side, but the total look looks like it costs a whole lot more.
Read more: Michael Kors

Five Haute Facts About Haute Girl
1970-01-01 00:59:59
I was tagged by former What's Haute co-contributor, Frapp, who wants to know weird/interesting/odd/random facts about me so here goes!1. I'm a self-taught handbag designer. I have my own line - and yes, I've written about it here. I'm a one-woman show - I cut, sew, sell, and ship - I do it all myself. I've always loved handbags - bought 'em (I own about 70 other than my own brand), talked about 'em, carried 'em, so it was only natural that I design 'em too!2. Previously, I was a research scientist for almost ten years. Really. I've done cancer research, immunology, eye and ear research, etc. I rocked the lab coat, safety goggles, latex gloves and all. But I still managed to look haute doing so. (Underneath the white coat I'd wear knee-high stiletto boots, A-line skirt, and a cute top. I was the hottest lab nerd ever.)3. I love roller coasters. I loved being flipped around, twirled upside down - all of it. I love to go to Six Flags every summer and ride the rides until I make


Ask Haute Girl...
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Dear Haute Girl, I'm looking for a medium sized (hopefully leather) handbag, although if it's a great style I wouldn't mind another fabric. I don't really have a specific color in mind, just nothing too wild (maybe black, brown, or blue). Basically, my requirements are that it is easy to match with all types of clothes (a bag that can be dressed up or down), and that it fits the style of a teen (I'm 17). Some of my favorite designers are Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Botkier, and Miu Miu, but I am open to all sorts of other designers' bags as well. Hopefully I will be able to purchase it for $200 or less, but I'm willing to pay up to $300 if it's really amazing. Thanks so much for your help!AmberDear Amber,You've come to the right place! What's Haute certainly knows and loves handbags. Luckily for you, there are tons of great styles to choose from that are in or around your price range:The MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Astor' Hobo Bag, ($168) has neverending style. It's simple and c


Happy Anniversary to Me! And a Haute Handbag Giveaway for You!
1970-01-01 00:59:59
This February marks the 1 year anniversary of What's Haute ! I started this blog a year ago when I was working at an absolutely miserable, creatively stifling job. I was out of my mind with boredom, so I decided to combine two of my favorite things - handbags and writing. I started it as a creative outlet for myself, but I'm ecstatic to have loyal readers and new visitors who appreciate my opinion on all things handbags (and sometimes fashion).To help me celebrate, Luna Boston has partnered with What's Haute to giveaway this gorgeous Anna Corinna 'City Tote' in Plum, valued at $396! As you may recall, I recently named this the 'Best Tote' of the Year, and Anna Corinna's handbags continue to reign as one of the most coveted lines! Now one of you lucky readers can own one thanks to Luna Boston!Luna Boston is THE place to shop online for the hautest handbags and accessories. From the hottest designers like Anna Corinna and Hayden-Harnett, to emerging brands like Aleya NY, Luna bost
Read more: Happy , Anniversary , Handbag , Happy Anniversary

Trend Revisited: Metallic Bags
1970-01-01 00:59:59
So truthfully, metallics never really went out of style, but weren't we all expecting them to? Usually what's haute one season is definitely NOT the next season, but metallic bags (and clothes) prove they have staying power. They were spotted all over the Fall 2007 runways. What's Haute was lucky enough to be invited to tons of great Fashion Week shows (check out my ongoing coverage here), but for you who couldn't attend, here's some of the haute metallic bags found on the runway:Miss SixtyRock & RepublicBaby Phat(Photos via NY Mag)What do you think of the metallic trend? Still haute or definitely not?
Read more: Revisited , Metallic

Weekly Haute Bag Round-Up
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Hauteness - The Handbag Magazine speaks to Freddy & Ma, Sara Langley, and the Magnes Sisters about running a family handbag business Blog on the Cusp finds a Chloe satchel that is perfect for SpringNitrolicious spots Ashley Olsen toting a Marco Tagliaferri handbagShopping's My Cardio is getting the blues with fabulous blue bags for SpringBLavish has the perfect V-Day gift for her - the pink Juicy Couture Cable Knit Handbag FabSugar is 'over' metallics but still loves the Kate Spade Purple Metallic Handbag Purse Blog is developing a crush on the Derek Lam Hildegard HoboCouture in the City's Luscious Handbag Find of the Day is the Fluff & Fold Kiera by LockheartLuxist proves that purple and green mix in the Amy Kathryn Gladiola stylish handbag/diaper bagGirlawhirl digs The Sak's Peace Bag Collection - where 100% of the purchase price of each bag goes to Seeds of Peace
Read more: Weekly , Haute

A Fleeting Fendi
1970-01-01 00:59:59
If you like ransom notes made from letters cut out of magazines, then this Patent Crossword Clutch is the bag for you. Fendi never ceases to amaze me with their creations. While Gucci and Louis Vuitton don't stray too far from their bread and butter styles, Fendi always has some interesting creation up their sleeve.This patent clutch has strategically placed white block letters with a signature Fendi logo handle. If you like this sort of thing, it's a great evening bag for the Spring/Summer, and is the perfect companion to the little black dress or even some sleek black skinny pants.I have to admit that I might carry this bag if someone gifted it to me but is it really worth $920? (Hint: the answer is NO!) It is definitely a one-season trend piece. Patent leather will most likely be out next season and you'll be stuck with an expensive fad It bag that just looks nice hanging in your closet. Like this blast from the past:


Happy Valentine's Day!
1970-01-01 00:59:59
This has to be THE most commercial holiday ever and after being in a relationship for four years, I don't care too much about it anymore. However, I still love to get gifts! I'll never turn those down!As you already know, I'm obsessed with handbags, but that's not necessarily the most common (or expected) gift for Valentine 's Day. So the next best thing for me (and most of you ladies) is fine jewelry - diamonds and pearls, a la Prince, and platinum and gilt-y gold. So imagine my joy when I discovered this gorgeous Gold Heart Bag from Diane von Furstenburg. And imagine my dismay when I saw the price tag - $36,000!!!Now if your man happens to have a spare $36 grand laying around to buy this for you, he's not only a keeper but you're also a very lucky lady. But most of us aren't as privileged, so here are some last-minute bag options for your man to get for you:Louis Vuitton Heart Purse, Call for Details: 866 VUITTONPoppie Couture Foldover Bag in Deep Red, $300Nancy Gonzalez Bag o
Read more: Happy

What the Fendi?!?!
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Oh, no! What in the world is this? It looks like some sort of 5th grade class project!!! Instructions class: take a brown paper bag, white construction paper, scissors and Elmer's glue and create your own Fendi tote. What is it with high fashion designers thinking their brand name alone is enough to justify selling crap like this? Better yet, what makes them think they can sustain their name and legacy with crap like this?And the icing on the crappy cake is that this bag has the nerve to be $685!!! I mean, you could buy a nice premier handbag or maybe two designer handbags on sale for that price. Who in their right mind would carry something as hideous and tacky as this, let alone pay as much money as it is! I could create my own version for free:See?I think I've given Fendi way too much coverage of their 'special' bags on this blog but I really couldn't ignore this one. This is a perfect example of a design house with too much money/fame/free time. And the perfect person to carry


Haute Off the Runway: Kai Milla
1970-01-01 00:59:59
She may be best known as Stevie Wonder's better half but Kai Milla is famous in her own right. She's a brilliant designer, and her Fall 2007 collection proves it. The safari styles coupled with Earth tones resulted in a gorgeous collection. I love her super low cuts, accentuating curves, sheer chiffons, and cinched waists. The looks are classic with just an ounce of trendy thrown in, making it mature but fresh.These pieces would look great with the Miu Miu Nappa Patch Satchel ($1445) I also love her use of metallics (hot for Fall!) incorporated in and paired with earthy, bulky browns, and the metallic dress was an unexpected treat.These would be even hotter with the Chloe Betty Leather SatchelAnd muted grays were incorporated into sexy one-piece pantsuits, multicolored mini-trench coats, and floor length skirts.These simple chic pieces deserve a stunning clutch. The Derek Lam Clothilde Clutch should suffice:Haute looks! All photos via Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.Scroll down to see mo
Read more: Runway , Haute Off

Haute Off the Runway: Malan Breton
1970-01-01 00:59:59
So, I'm only a week late posting some fashion week reviews but better late than never, right? Anyway, on to the fashion:Reality shows aren't accurate predictors of talent. Take Jennifer Hudson. She may not have won American Idol, but that hasn't stopped her rise to superstardom. The same can be said of Malan Breton . Being eliminated early from Project Runway hasn't stopped him from designing fabulous clothes. He is the first designer from last season to show at Fashion Week, and his strong showing proves that he didn't need Project Runway after all.As Michael Kors would say, Malan 'really knows a woman's body.' His dresses a perfectly draped, and look so feminine and flowy. My favorites are the two-tone muted gray A-line (being modeled by Melrose from Top Model?), and the A-line tube dress resembling a disco ball. I especially adore the floor length kimono-style belted 'robe' dress - casual glam at its best.I think these dresses would look incredible paired up with one of th
Read more: Haute , Haute Off , Malan Breton

Weekly Haute Bag Round-up
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Hauteness - The Handbag Magazine features handbag designer Hayden-Harnett's new ready-to-wear apparel alongside their haute Spring bags.Pursed Lips loves the look and feel of the Prada Pitone (Python) Frame Satchel.If you have a taste for authentic designer handbags, It's All In The Bag presents Darby Scott's luxury handbag line.Bag Bwana finds a retro-inspired Furla clutch in a summery white shade.Please Don't Feed the Models is obsessed with a little Chloe bag named "Edith".Shopaholics Anonymous discovers THE hottest bag for Spring 2007.Pink Cupcakes needs a sugar daddy to buy the hot bags she found window shopping at e-Luxury.I Like Her Style features a great selection of bright, multicolored bags.Purse Blog loves the bold and brilliant Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Clutch in daring turquoise.Lindsay Lohan may no longer the face of Louis Vuitton but comes back with a precious new Miu Miu bag.
Read more: Weekly , Haute

Celeb Spotting: New Balenciaga Le Dix Motorcycle Tote
1970-01-01 00:59:59
I thought Balenciaga bags were so over but obviously I was wrong. Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa was spotted on the All Star 2007 red carpet with this new white Balenciaga Le Dix Motorcycle bag. I saw it in person today at Neiman Marcus and it's just slightly smaller than the large Le Dix. It has the same appeal of the original, but is accented with gold thimble-like ornaments in place of studs.What do you think of this new style?
Read more: Spotting

Wearable Art For the Ultimate Snob
1970-01-01 00:59:59
I'm not big on promoting handbags that cost as much as a small car, a down payment on a mortgage, or even a small country. But I will share the details of what I believe to be truly exquisite handbags, in case you have a huge chunk of change lying around.I was recently introduced to the Rene Lautrec for EKSO collection and was instantly impressed. Designer Rene Lautrec combines art, fashion, architecture and lifestyle to create wearable luxury handbags. 200 styles are made from every exotic animal known to man, like stingray, ostrich, croc and alligator.These bags are accessories within accessories! Each handbag comes with interchangeable straps, a miniature perfume bottle inside (refillable only by the company), detachable cell phone cases, a white-faced diamond and cabochon-studded pocket clock, make-up bags, mirrors, and matching lipstick cases. My goodness!!! Talk about getting your money's worth! (Does it come with a Corvette and a dream house too?)To up the snobbish factor, all
Read more: Wearable , Ultimate

Haute Off The Runway: Evisu
1970-01-01 00:59:59
The designer denim brand stuck to hues of indigo, red and black for its Fall 2007 collection.Dark denim was paired up with navy taffeta resulting in a dressy urban look. Pieces consisted of pleated skirts, over-embellished collars, and funnel sleeves. I like that the collection was highly wearable, unlike the couture collections that never make it to your closet. Any of these pieces could be worn to work, or out to dinner.The other part of the collection consisted of mainly taffeta and satin. A tuxedo halter dressed up skinny low-rise jeans, while a sizeable red top looked great with parachute pants. A basic blue satin dress plastered with a big red bow was an unexpected surprise, but adorable nonetheless.
Read more: Haute , Runway , Haute Off

Haute or Not: Michael by Michael Kors Bags (And Blogger Sucks!)
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Damn Blogger ! Their 'spam-prevention robots' locked my blog because they detected that characteristics of my blog resembled a spam blog! I've been doing this for a year and now I'm considered a spammer??? What's up with that Blogger???Since I'm already in a bad mood...Just a few months ago, I lauded the praises of Michael Kors. Now I'm considering taking it back. I know he probably employs a multitude of people who design his collections but doesn't he have final say? If so, why did he approve these two bags? I'm not saying they're terrible, but this is something I'd expect from someone playing around with their first sewing machine. And I certainly wouldn't shell out more than $200 for these amateur bags.What do you think? Haute or not?
Read more: Michael Kors

Weekly Haute Bag Round-Up
1970-01-01 00:59:59
Win a Prada Gauffre Antik handbag from FabSugar!McDreamer is a Hermes Birkin Bag. Which IT bag are you?Haute ness - The Handbag Magazine adores the Bottega Veneta Pleated Bag!The Fray finds a cool cut-out bag in the most unexpected place - at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) shop.Handbag Designer 101 goes for green handbags for Spring.Señora Cartera features Marni's 'Garbage Bag Couture' Collection.Kate Spade's Sao Paolo Handbag is driving Outblush insane.Lauren Bush is a handbag designer???The Gossip Girls say that Britney Spears was denied a limited edition Heatherette clutch at Fashion Week.Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle discovers that the Botkier Bianca is back in stock!Mad About Bags' handbag design of the day is 'Head Handbags'. Creepy.
Read more: Weekly

Haute Off the Red Carpet: 79th Annual Academy Awards
1970-01-01 00:59:59
It's called the 'Superbowl' for women - the Academy Awards , or Oscars. I usually watch the show in bits and pieces. I really just like to see who wins Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Actor/Actress, and Best Picture. But my favorite part is the red carpet - getting to see who's wearing who, and what. Here's my Oscar hits and misses:Let's start with everyone's favorite new 'It' girl, and now Academy Award winner (!) Jennifer Hudson. She looked fabulous in a chocolate Oscar de la Renta gown created exclusively for her. I love the metallic python/leather shrug - everyone's going to want one of those... I certainly do... And I want her makeup artist too.Dreamgirls co-star, Anika Noni Rose, took a page from Beyonce's standard red carpet book, with a shiny silver dress, complete with a plunging neckline: And plunging backline:Eddie Murphy's date, Tracey Edmonds, wore a dazzling grey gown.Jodie Foster looked great in a draped blue chiffon dress:Queen Latifah looked haute in bas
Read more: Haute , Carpet , Annual , Haute Off

Page 2 of 5 « < 1 2 3 4 > »
eXTReMe Tracker