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We did not normally feature many shoes in the past but then again, shoes are the new IT bags and when these reached us from Hermes Press Office, i was so pleasantly surprised that it would have been a crime not to share the news.  For some reason these shoes are considered sandals by Hermes and if so, they are probably the most glam sandals i have seen in my life. The descriptions below are from Hermes.

SANDAL IN SUEDE GOATSKIN (left)

This sandal with its prominent arch is a ghillie revisited. Inspired by the traditional Scottish shoe, it maintains the perforations, pompoms and trimmed inlays. Bright and brilliant in patent leather, it also comes in suede goatskin, in delicate half tones that accentuates its softness.

SANDAL IN PATENT LEATHER (right)

Set atop a 2cm platform and a 12cm heel, this exceptional sandal is the fruit of unrivalled craftsmanship and know-how. Each pair requires 114 inlays and 38 tiny buckles assembled by a silversmith.

If you are feeling them, call Hermes stores for enquiry and order. Stay tune for more updates from Hermes.

Images are courtesy of Hermes

Even when it emulates Bottega with traditional woven leather, Jimmy Choo has to bring tons of glam to it and i say i really really like this bag. A similar bag (probably with thinner leather stripes interwoven and minus the bangle) from Bottega would have cost more than USD2,000 while this more glam Jimmy Choo costs USD1,750 only.  Jimmy Choo bags have earned a status of its own by now and while not categorised as a classic brand like Bottega, it has its own standing power too. If you like it, get it from Neiman Marcus.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

As a Purseholic, one of the most unimaginable honors one could possibly receive is to have a bag named after him/her by a famous designer. One of my favourite girls of the Bagsnob just recently received this incredible honor from Adriana Castro, with the Tina clutch. Like Tina herself, the clutch is simple and practical yet very stylish and classy. The best thing about this clutch is that it could be customized with your size and material (see below) of choice. The crocodile version is priced at USD1,150, lizard at USD1,050, python at USD895 and lastly Ostrich leg at USD700. You see the apple green crocodile on the most bottom row? That would be totally sick! Congratz, Tina!

To place an order, e-mail sales@adrianacastroonline.com

Images are courtesy of Bagsnob.com

If not because of Coco Chanel, women today might still slip into a corset every single time they need to dress classy and elegant. Chanel is the epitome of classic fashion, which in challenging times like now would be the smart choice to go. Vogue Australia runs its June 2009 issue on classics and Chanel is without any doubt, the center of its focus. Before Chanel, Coco was merely a woman fighting to be original in the corset-packed high society of Paris and excitingly this story of the most important woman in fashion will finally hit the theaters in Asia in August 2009. One of my favourite actresses, Audrey Tatou (Amelie, A Very Long Engagement, Hors de Prix) plays the legendary Gabrielle Coco Chanel. Tatou is also the newest face for the world’s best-selling Chanel No.5 parfum, replacing Nicole Kidman. Will this movie become a sucess on the international box office? Enjoy the trailer!

I am a fan of anything classic with a twist. This newest incarnation of Marc Jacobs Stam is quirky and fun and suitable for younger fans who like the shape of the Stam bag but found the quiltings too old. The Stam with Safety Pin is made of soft lamb leather with contrasting zig zag stitching. The whole styling of the bag makes it “high-street” yet thanks to the classic shape and fastening clasp, it still looks classy and elegant by the end of the day. This is simply one of the best reincarnation of MJ Stams i have seen so far. Well done, Marc! Get this from Harvey Nichols for GBP1,125.

Image is courtesy of Harvey Nichols

I have always loved Pauric Sweeney Overnight Bag in metallic Python. It is too bad that it is not big enough to be a man bag. Now the torture is even worse that the bag is on 50% off on Harvey Nichols online. Pauric Sweeney bags always come in attitude. Forget elegance, it is all about rocking style, which is very appropriate when you want to feel good about yourself and heck care about the world.  There are still at least 5 color options available at HN Online now. Price starts from GBP727 after the mark-down.

Image is courtesy of Harvey Nichols

These beautiful little babies are red-carpet worthy. With simple design, the highlight is only on the GG ornament with crystal studs. While the black lizard version is very elegant and classic, the silver-on-black GG embroidery version is stunning! I have to say, this is one of those very few occasions where the cheaper, logo-ed version material outshines an exotic skin material. The lizard version is priced at GBP1,320 while the more stunning embroidery version is priced at GBP700. Both available at Gucci.

Images are courtesy of Gucci

I have been bitten by Zagliani bug and i am more than happy to surrender myself. And i am in love with Harvey Nichols. Why did i just visit them online recently when i have always proudly hailed them as my favorite upscale department store in Asia? Silly me! Now back to the beauty. This bag is completely and  utterly gorgeous in the simplest design execution. Zagliani’s python skin is always slightly metallic and as soft as cashmere. This small shoulder bag is nothing but elegant and classy. Now tuck the shoulder chain inside the bag and voila! It makes a gorgeous clutch too. My sisters will love this baby to the core. Best thing is it is being marked down at 50% off from GBP1,100 to only GBP550. I plead you not to miss this baby.

Image is courtesy of Harvey Nichols

OMG! The classic Zagliani Puffy bag at 50% off? How could it still be available? Especially in this rare stunning  patent turquoise color, it just doesn’t get any better than this!! This baby has suede lining in contrasting fuschia color, more fun than the usual black/ brown. If this color combo is too striking for you, the one in classic-classic patent white with brown lining is also still available. I have always loved Harvey Nichols for their selection of goods and clearly this is not in any way disappointing. I just hate it that there isn’t any in Singapore at this point of time. The Zagliani Large Puffy Patent bag in Python is down from GBP1,870 to only GBP935. I have promised to avert labelling shopping as an investment but once in a while, for a deal this good, the term has to come up again. This is a worthy investment! Click here to invest now!

Image is courtesy of Harvey Nichols

What do you think about this upcoming Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2009-2010 campaign starring Madonna again? I personally love the color set of this image and her skin looks flawless  here. The campaign was shot under the artistic direction of Marc Jacobs himself and will be out worldwide starting August 2009. The only things that bother me a little is that the Irene Monogram bag featured seems not to blend in with the whole set nor it showcases the live of the bag itself. The other thing is what was the point using Madonna when she had to post totally emotionless like a mannequin? Queen M is all about personality.

Image is courtesy of Madonna Tribe

I hate to bash a classic and most of the time, I like what MJ does to update the classic Vuitton Monogram Canvas such as with the Cherry Blossom, Multicolor, Eye Love You and Graffiti but these upcoming version  of Vuitton classic bags are really beyond my comprehension. First, fixing sequins on the Monogram logos already made the bags look too busy and not pretty. Then, what is with the awkward looking handles and oversized zipper? These bags will be priced at more than USD2,000 too. Will these bags really sell?

Images are courtesy of Louis Vuitton

What a beautiful bag from Chloé again! Bags from Chloé are always understated but it has all the right things going on in the right place at the right magnitude. Look at this one with the gold tweed and flap. While not exactly uber-original, the Elsie lamé has the right elements of the classic Chanel flap yet it appeals younger, edgier and as classy. While the Chloé Sally has won many hearts, i prefer the Elsie by a bit. This beauty is available at Net-a-porter for USD1,250. If you like Chanel flap but hate the price and also because everyone seems to own one already, this is a worthy alternative.

Image is courtesy of net-a-porter

This Fendi bag has all the potential to be a classic. I never thought it would go on sale but here it is, almost half-off on eluxury.com. The Fendi Selleria leather is classy and durable and is Fendi’s signature leather. The bag is beautiful, does not suffer from the occasional extreme logo flashing so I categorise this bag as an elegant, timeless bag worth buying and keeping. This beauty happens to be a limited-edition too and each bag is individually numbered on a metal plate inside. It is now available at eluxury.com, down from USD2,190 to only USD1,314. This is a full leather, timeless bag from a big bag designer so i would say, very very worth the price. Go ahead and click Check-out here!

Image is courtesy of eluxury.com

Hi Purseholic

I work in a small company of 15 staff with a lady boss, whom we regard as the nicest person we know. About two years ago she got married and in a month’s time from now, she will be a mom. We hope to buy her something nice but she has got everything prepared except for a diaper bag which we had reserved as a gift. As we are all busy with work during her maternity, there isn’t really time to shop for a nice diaper bag. I went to Saks last week but most of the diaper bags are Storksak and Juicy Couture. Could you suggest a nice bag which she would appreciate and love and keep for her second, third and even more children? There are 15 of us and we are happy to fork out up to 100 bucks each.

Love your blog! Keep up the work!

Lindsay in Connecticut, US

Hi Lindsay

I love your lady boss already. She has 15 people working for her and all of you love her? She must be the nicest person i do not know. Please send my warmest congrats and best wishes to the lovely lady.

Now back to baby business - a Gucci Diaper bag should be a keeper and i am sure she would appreciate it. Not solely because it is branded, but because it a great gift from her staff. The Gucci Diaper messenger is also a classic which she could keep for subsequent babies in the future. I would recommend the one with GG coated canvas material as it is water and stain repellant which means low-maintenance. The Diaper bag also comes with a changing mat and is big enough to keep all the baby stuff. The price of the bag is only USD845 at Gucci.com USA, which is well within your budget. Get another nice gift such as a silver bracelet or pendant for the new mom. It would make a lovely gift together with the bag. Gucci and Tiffany has a good collection of silver bracelets to choose from.

Write your queries to us at askme@purseholic.com

Purseholic

Image is courtesy of Gucci

The nylon bags turned Prada from an old luggage house to a respectable fashion behemoth overnight back in the 90s. There is unique appeal with Prada bylon bags that other brands could not replicate. It could give a sense of being smarter carrying one black nylon Prada tote than a heavily logo-ed one from another brand. Of course then again it depends on the mood and what you wear but generally Prada nylon is just safe to fall back on. I own one old Prada nylon tote (limited edition) that i adore and of which my sisters are envious. For you who shop often or like throwing stuff inside your big bag and tired of Louis Vuitton Neverfull, feel free to fall back on the newly styled Prada tote. For this Fall, the tote is available in various colors of nylon and with choices of Saffiano leather or Crocodile skin trims, if you could spare more cash for the premium. The one with Saffiano trim is priced at €350 while the crocodile trim is at €620. The trick with Miuccia Prada’s initial (MP) is not inclusive with the bag and sold separately.

Image is courtesy of Prada