Designers Handbags

I was getting a little bit bored of constantly seeing Lauren Conrad with her jumbo Chanel 2.55, which she paired with almost every single outfit she wore for the good part of a month. Yes, it’s a Chanel flap but we expect more excitement and changes from someone with their own line of clothing! Finally, she was pictured last week while filming for The Hills with oversized sunnies and a Rebecca Minkoff Nikki in the color Wine.

I just heard back from the Director of the Chanel boutique, this is REAL python skin. Not embossed leather. I know many of you are speculating the authenticity of the skin, don’t worry! It’s the real deal!

17cmx11cm $2,495 at Chanel

Still can’t find the ultimate summer blue bag? The House of Chanel goes mod with a classic French shade, Yves Klein Bleu, in a patent python classic chain bag. Yves Klein is the French artist who developed this shade of deep electric blue in 1958, and it has been known as International Klein Blue (IKB) in the art circle ever since. Serious Chanel collectors are going to go nuts when they see this. Most boutiques do not have it yet, so you can still get on the list. I had sworn off all classic flap bags and 2.55 bags, but this one is giving me serious heart palpitations. I love the shape, too. I have always wished for a wider bottom for my 2.55s, and it seems the Chanel angels heard my prayers. The one above is tiny (17cm wide, a mere 6.6 inches), there is a bigger one at $2,695 20cmx12cm (7.8 inches wide) but still smaller than what I’d like. However, the color is to die and the price is not too ridiculous for a Chanel exotic and it’s a fabulous collector’s item. At Chanel boutiques this summer.

Claudia Schiffer seems to be the model of the season in the eyes of Karl Lagerfeld, with the Kaiser choosing his fellow German as the face of the Chanel spring summer 2008 advertising campaign.

While the beach setting is perfect for spring and summer, is the the black and white tweed suit suitable beachwear? Wouldn’t Claudia look more at home on the beach in one of the Chanel demin bikini’s as seen on the runway as modeled by Gemma Ward?

Bling bling for sure. This bag can be spotted from a mile away. Chanel’s new metallic crackled calfskin flap bag from the Spring/Summer ‘08 line gleams of gold and with the silver accent oozes shimmer. This bag is a far cry away from Chanel’s usual basic quilted leather bag but maintains the tradition with its simple shape, chain strap, and Chanel logo buckle.

This bag is the link between classic chick and funky couture. It is the perfect bag with an evening dress, to funk up a pair of jeans, or to glam up for a night out on the town. Its funky enough to stand out on its own but simple enough to wear with any outfit. Many times, such shiny, metallic bags can look kind of cheap and be the quick trend of a season but this bag is made of the finest quality and boasts of exceptional detail. It is one of those bags that can be carried on and off for years. With this bag, Chanel has truly upheld its tradition of always offering something old with something new.

You’ve got to love that Paris Hilton loves the paparazzi’s attention. “Why on Earth must we love that, Elle?” - you ask? Why, because this gives her designer freebies, like Chanel bags. Alright, alright, it’s plenty of reason for us bag desirers to hate Paris.

BUT here is Ms. Hilton perfectly posing to show us a great, clear shot of an amazingly gorgeous Chanel bag. And you know what - I believe that’s reason to love the egotist in the socialite.

So thanks Paris! Ahh to be born into wealth and fame … sigh.

As you can see from the mini photo inside the large, the bag’s not really a clutch, but a flap with the strap removed. That is a great idea! Imagine, a jumbo sized Chanel flap could be … a day clutch! Faaabulous! *Dreams off into Elle’s happy place*

Haute Couture Edition: How Much is That Chanel Designer Handbag in the Window
It’s the first of many editions of TBF’er Haute Couture review of how much is that designer handbag in the window. Every Wednesday Haute Couture is going to use her expertise and purse wisdom to deliver the latest information, including pricing and details on the latest designer handbags. The first edition of Haute Couture’s weekly scoop belongs to the fabulous house of Chanel and their new purses. Pictured below is the first wave of Chanel purses…

The Chanel Ice Cube Bag
The bubbly quilted bag in PVC with the memorable braided of silver leather shoulder strap.
Price: $1,640

The Chanel Walk of Fame Purse
This is the lamb leather bag à couture smocking in coral. Personally I can not wait for the black version.
Price: $2,068

The Chanel 2.55 Reissue Wallet
A perfect purse piece for any chanel admirer, it’s the 2.55 wallet in black quilted leather.
Price: $613

The Classic Chanel Rhodoid Handbag
Quilted bag embroidered with strass, in striped denim and white rhodoid.
Price: $3,352

The Chanel Classic Crinkle Handbag
The scrunch bag by Chanel is dressed in couture pleated leather.
Price: $2,068

final word: Chanel enthusiasts, plan for a price increase this November. I know, isn’t this insane?! This is like their third price increase this year!

If borrowing handbags is your style then I have some news for you… Bag Borrrow or Steal has added Vintage designed purses to their site! Now you can borrow hot vintage bags such as the classic Chanel 2.55 Quilted Bag circa 1980, the rare Moschino Vintage Dripping Chocolate Bag circa 1991, the evening Judith Leiber Vintage Tulip Minaudiere piece circa 1980 and even a Hermes Vintage Crocodile Birkin Handbag circa 2004.

Chanel 2.55 Quilted Bag circa 1980
As iconic as ever. This quilted black leather style from Chanel features an elegant, adjustable-length chain-and-leather strap. A turn-lock closure opens the front flap to a rich maroon leather interior, zip pocket and open compartment.
(for $163.00/week or $480.00/month)

Moschino Vintage Dripping Chocolate Bag circa 1991
A legendary, leather confection from Moschino, vanilla based with chocolate dripping pattern pouring atop, perfected with goldtone heart charms. This bag is in the permanent collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Costume Collection, in London. It exemplifies Moschino’s genius at parodying fashion while maintaining quality. His recipe for counting calories was don’t eat it, carry it! Includes a detachable shoulder strap.
($204.00/week or $600.00/month)

Judith Leiber Vintage Tulip Minaudiere piece circa 1980
Capture all the attention in the room with this stunning minaudiere from Judith Leiber. Fashioned in the shape of a tulip with glittering rhinestones, goldtone petal edging, gold leather lining and a goldtone chain strap that can be hidden inside.
($221.00/week or $650.00/month)

Hermes Vintage Crocodile Birkin Handbag circa 2004
Give a nod to fashion’s finest with one of the most sought-after handbags of all time. Named after British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, a long time resident of France, this genuine Porosus Crocodile bag is lined with goatskin (chevre leather). The exterior is accented with palladium hardware, and the keys come inside a small sheath. Missing lock.
($1,632.00/week or $4,800.00/month)

Rachel Roy’s Favs: Chanel Purse & Miu Miu Bag
Cutie fashion designer Rachel Roy is in the latest Allure magazine for this up-and-coming month of September, in a full-page display on page 190 where she reveals her fashion as well as beauty picks for autumn. And of course, being the bag-obsessed woman I am, my eyes fixed onto her latest must-have purse choices: the Chanel quilted canvas with goatskin trim and pearls beading around the border & the Miu Miu grey ostrich flap over handbag with gold hardware.

Nicole Richie Shops with her Chanel Purse
With a bun in the oven it’s Nicole Richie out-and-about shopping for baby clothes yesterday while toting along her lovely classic Chanel purse.

I wonder what her baby bag is going to be…