Hermès must have been really miffed at Lady Gaga for scribbling all over her white Birkin with a black marker, because they’ve launched a super sexy limited-edition collection of Kellys and Birkins in an all-black luminescence called – you guessed it – So Black.

All the exterior hardware has been blacked out with a glossed black finish. The So Black range is available in six models and in two leathers of box and mat crocodile.  Bonus?  The collection includes special packaging: a bag, box and bolduc – all in black.

Prices start at $5,200.  Wonder if Lady G is on the waitlist? Available at hermes.com.

Article Courtesy of Leah Rumack, Globe and Mail

I love hand bags.  I mean, I seriously L-O-V-E them.  In fact, I once told my fab carpool buddy that if I could, I would drape myself in bags and wear nothing else.

Well ladies and gentlemen, thanks to Paris Couture week and Maison Martin Margiela, my dream has been realised!  My only question: Why are there two looks when you should clearly pair the clutches as trousers and braided handles as a top TOGETHER!!!

Before you decide to stop reading my blog, I am of course kidding.  But I still love the idea of draping myself in all of my gorgeous purses.

Images courtesy of Go Fug on New York Fashion

Big for Fall 2010 is the structured handbag. Look for bags that are square or round that do not lose their shape when set on a table top.  Structured handbags look best perched on your forearm, so find one that is light in weight and heavy on style.

The most glam structured handbag is none other than the Hermès Birkin, but try the Marc by Marc Jabos Baby Aiden Bowler on for size.  Baby Aiden is on my style watch list and also on my” can’t wait for it to go on sale” list!

Love, Love, Love Marc Jacobs!

FYI: There is no longer a wait list for the Hermès Birkin, so if you happen to have $8,000 burning a hole in your pocket, go ahead, treat yourself.   Personally, I don’t yet own an iconic Birkin, but I subtly drop hints to my boyfriend that instead of an engagement ring, he can get me an engagement Birkin!

The Kooba Millie North/South Shoulder Bag might just be my new favourite bag.  This bag will tuck ever so well under your arm as you run around town running errands.

Distressed leather is a plus because any new scratches add more depth.  I also adore over sized bags since I  am ever hopeful that bigger bags give the illusion of  slimness by comparison, but I think I am definitely wrong about that!  I should probably scrap that idea and continue jogging but I digress…

The gold hardware perfectly coordinates with those stylish, over-sized, gold-tone watches that are still as popular as ever.  The Kooba Millie comes in four colours (Bourbon–pictured, Ivory, Lava & Turquoise) but I love the diversity of a neutral colour, like Bourbon, because it goes with everything.

I particularly love the back (not shown) which has a convenient zipper on the top with the gold Kooba logo subtly handing from the zipper.   I definitely won’t be paying $600 for this bag anytime soon, however, I will be watching for it in the late-spring markdowns with my fingers crossed!!

The Foley + Corinna City bag is the most versatile bag you can invest in for less than $350!

Carry the City like a tote, sitting snugly on your shoulder, or hanging neatly on your forearm.  Make use of the long strap and sling her sideways across you body messenger style.  Or, my fave,  fold her in half, remove the strap and carry like a clutch. The City is designed to travel with you all day long — from work to running errands to ending the day as you sip evening cocktails!

Two things I adore about the Foley + Corinna City bag: its versatility and price (currently on sale from $485 to $339).  She’s definitely worth the investment!

redbird style audrey purse

It’s no secret that I LOVE handbags. After seeing yellow clutches on the Marc Jacobs NYFW runway show and Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist, spouting the return of polka dots, have I got a purse for you!

Redbird Style is a Seattle blogger who writes about her hip, handmade accessories. Her unique creations are showcased in beautiful photography, taken by her partner in crime, her husband. What a great combination–accessories and photography!

The Audrey Purse is a one-of-a-kind, yellow canvas bag with hand embroidery. The polka dot lining really takes this purse to the next level and couldn’t make you more in style for spring 2010.  The best thing of all? Redbird Style has an Etsy store which means you can easily order her pieces from anywhere in the world!

What are you waiting for? Get rid of your bad case of the Mondays and brighten up your day with a fab new bag.

Photo courtesy of redbird style

I love getting my hair cut.  Not just because I love the scalp massage and being pampered, but because my salon is next door to my favourite high-end consignment store in Vancouver.  Consignment stores are great for girls who love designer but don’t have the paycheque to justify daily visits to high-end retailers.

Last weekend I made sure I had lots of time to browse through the new arrivals of my fave consignment store after my haircut, which always includes drooling over their collection of designer bags.  All the usual suspects were there: $1500 Chanel totes, $750 Chloe purses, and, my showstopping fave, a $300 Gucci bag.

I have had my eye on a $900 Gucci Sukey hobo bag for quite some time but $900 is a bit too much for me to justify. So when I spied this gorgeous 2005 trademark Gucci bag, with signature bamboo handles and brown leather trim in pristine condition, I just couldn’t walk away.

As far as bags go, it wasn’t cheap but for Gucci it was a bargain.  Especially when you gain points towards future purchases and, because I spent a certain amount of money, I also received a $50 credit towards my next post-haircut shopping trip! I can’t wait for my new haircut to grow out!!

2005 Gucci Bag

Top Image Courtesy of InspirationDC

Valentino Spring Summer 2010 Bags

The Spring Summer 2010 Valentino show was full of  nude, gray, rose, lavender, and gold hues.  Critics were skeptical of the choice of colour pallette but fell in love with the design house’s collection of bags.  I personally loved the use of muted colour to showcase the delicate fabric and intricate design of each piece.  What do you think?

Balenciaga Lariat

I initially wrote of Balenciaga bags in December as the Lariat was listed at No. 5 on my Top 10 “It” Bags.  Balenciaga handbags come in a wide range of colours, styles and sizes to meet any need.

If you intend on investing in a Balenciaga bag in the future, or simply want to learn more about the line of bags, please keep reading!

First

Classique, Le Dix, Lariat. This Balenciaga handbag is basically flat with rounded edges. It measures 13×2.5×7.5 and has a 18″ shoulder strap. This handbag retails in the United States at approximately $995.00 and have a serial code of “103208″.

City

This handbag is very roomy and great for everyday use. It measures 15x4x10, and has a 24″ shoulder strap. It has a serial code of “115748″ and retails for about $1,195.00 US.

Work

Handbags in this style from Balenciaga have the serial code “132110″, and retails in the United States for in the $1,275.00 price range. It measures 18x6x12 and is great for transporting files and folder from the work place to home and back.

Weekender

Retailing for $1,385.00 and having a serial code of “110506″ it measures 21x9x15. The size of this bag will allow you to take just about anything you need for that weekend get away.

Purse

Handbags in this style have the serial code “128522″, and retails approximately at $1095.00.  The Purse style measures 16x2x11 and is slightly larger than the Balenciaga City size but slimmer. This bag is a great addition to your next shopping trip.

Box

Handbags in this style have the serial code “145694″, and retails approximately US$985.00 The Box style measures 13x6x6.5 and is perfect for casual use.

Twiggy

The Twiggy style handbags measure 14.5×6.5×9, with a 23″ shoulder strap. It is a bit longer and larger than the Box style. It is a great handbag for casual every day use. Handbags that are in this style have the serial code “128523″, and retails for $1055.00 in the United States.

Authenticity

Ensure you get an authentic bag. The Balenciaga bag is very popular with celebrities, thus there is huge demand resulting in waiting lists.  Balenciaga does not allow stores to sell their handbags online, if you see an advertisement from a store that says they have them in stock you will need to call them to order. You may be able to purchase an authentic Balenciaga bag on eBay, but do be careful.  The demand is so high that there are many fake or counterfeit items.

Tips

• When purchasing secondhand Balenciaga bags, be certain to check for “Lampo” brand zippers and the authenticity nameplate inside the bag.
• Find a “Balenciaga ‘Controllato’” slip inside the pocket of the cosmetic mirror.
• Real Balenciaga bags are constructed from distressed goat leather and have an easily recognizable slouch when placed on a hard, flat surface.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual.

Finding the Perfect Bag

Selecting the right purse is an important part of looking stylish and attractive. Your purse says a lot about you.  There are many things to consider when you are ready to purchase a new handbag:

1 Select the occasion Is the purse an everyday work purse, or an evening bag used once or twice? Work styles are functional, practical and stylish. Casual styles are natural-looking basket-weaves, florals, patterns and designs. Evening purses are elegant, shiny, metallic and flashy.

2 Stick to a set price range Look for a sale or clearance if you have a limited budget.

3 Decide on a colour Classic neutrals like black, beige, navy or even red are good office choices. If you are going out at night, choose a color, shape or pattern that attracts more attention. Bright colors and pinks are good for spring and summer, parties or the beach.

4 Choose the size you need Is it a purse or a tote? How much space will you have to store it at work? What do you want to keep in it? Sometimes, a smaller purse is better. It will hold your essentials without bogging you down with unneeded stuff.

5 Consider alternative materials You don’t need to go with traditional leather. Look at bags made of fabric or natural fibers. Consider a washable purse, too.

6 Decide how long you will use the purse If it is just for one season, you may want to opt for the inexpensive but trendy route found at accessories departments of budget chains or variety stores. If you want to keep it for a year or more, go to a department store and look for something sturdy and stylish from a reputable brand. Keep your budget in mind when you decide this.

7 Consult a friend or salesperson Ask someone if you aren’t sure what will best meet your needs. If you want further inspiration, look at style magazines or online.

Tips

• Clean the accumulated clutter out of your bag every few weeks.
• Check online for sales.
• Don’t throw out your old purse if you might want to switch–It’s always nice to have options.
• Try local thrift stores for good quality, designer brands. Last year’s classic purse may be donated and you can get a really good deal and be in style.

Warnings

• Designer fakes may look like an original designer piece but they will likely fall apart.
• Fake designer bags are stealing!
• Save yourself the embarrassment of admitting your bag is a fake, there are many good, quality leather handbags available at affordable prices.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual.